Stained glass artwork on the windows at 22 Matharpacady, depicting Mother Mary and infant Jesus (on the right panel), and the Holy Communion (on the left panel). The house was donated by the Miranda family and was renamed Eymard Cottage, and opened as the Provincialate (HQ) of the SSS Order, on September 14, 2006. It has a Blessed Sacrament Chapel and offers a daily Mass for senior citizens of the gaothan.
The Lion’s Den bungalow is named after the twin lion-mounted gate posts. The lions are associated with the Biblical story of Daniel, who was thrown in the lion's den by Darius the Mede, King of Babylon. Pleased by Daniel’s blameless character, the God of Israel sent an angel to close the jaws of the lions. Thus, Daniel survived the lion's den unharmed and was released by Darius.
Matharpacady has a strong historical connection with Goa and Goan Christians. The neighbourhood has several kudds; dormitories that provide accommodation to migrant workers from Goa at a nominal fee. The kudds are managed by clubs linked to villages in Goa, which patronize them. This kudd, 21/B Ground Floor, Matharpacady, is run by the Association of Paroda from Paroda village, in Salcete taluka, South Goa district. It was established in 1900.
The six-pointed Star of Bethlehem is associated with the Nativity story. The star served as a navigation aid for the three wise men who visited the manger where Jesus was born. It represents the divine light and hope brought into the world by the birth of Jesus Christ. This star of Bethlehem, stored in the open veranda at 20 Mataharpacady, will be hoisted during Christmas.
Marian Villa is among the better-preserved Portuguese-style bungalows in Matharpacady, home to the Mascarenhas family. Azulejo tiles are used for the nameplate, similar to those used in Goan homes. Arabic in origin, these blue and white tiles were produced by the Spanish from the 14th century onward to decorate their churches and monasteries. The Portuguese imported the tiles from Spain and, in the 17th century, started exporting them to their colonies, from where they reached Goa.
Ladies strike a conversation on the veranda at Keep Sake, 20 Matharpacady (built in 1928). The tightly spaced bungalows enable residents to interact with each other and socialize on the veranda. The long veranda is a typical feature of Koli villages where the open space at the front is used to repair fishing nets. This common characteristic is also seen in the bungalows of the East Indian community, whose ancestors were Kolis and other native communities before they were converted to Catholicism.
The interiors at 20A Matharpacady are furnished with antique wooden furniture. The eclectic collection of curios displayed inside the vitrine were acquired from various corners of the world, reflecting the family's extensive travel history and maritime activities. The vitrine was meticulously crafted by a Chinese craftsman, specially summoned for this task, who made it in the confines of this home.
This old home, at 9 Matharpacady, has batwing doors (double swinging doors) at the entrance, preserving its historical character and charm. The lintel above the door is decorated with colourful tiles with floral motifs, each different from the rest.
The Holy Cross Oratory is the most notable religious landmark in Matharpacady. This small chapel was built on land donated by Mrs Buthello and constructed in response to a devastating plague that struck the city in 1875 (another plague struck in 1896). The residents came together to collectively build the chapel, praying for the plague to spare the village. Miraculously, not a single death occurred at Matharpacady in the plague and the community has maintained the tradition of holding yearly feasts, now in its 148th year.