The experience
You'll spend three days at Diogo's Loutolim quarry and worksite, learning to cut, cure and lay the reddish laterite stone found in nearly every old Goan building. He'll show you how freshly quarried blocks are left to harden in open air, then walk you through setting them into a real wall course by course. A visit to a restored mansion nearby shows you exactly where this stone ends up once it leaves the quarry.
Why this matters
Laterite is the structural backbone of Goa's traditional homes, churches and forts, and understanding how it's quarried and laid is essential to any serious heritage restoration work in the region.
Cultural background
Laterite, a porous reddish stone abundant in Goa's soil, has been quarried and used in local construction for centuries, prized for being soft enough to cut when freshly dug yet hardening with air exposure.
Meet the practitioner
We're still verifying a practitioner for this experience — check back soon.
Schedule
Day 1
Quarry visit and introduction to cutting and curing laterite
Day 2
Hands-on practice laying a small stone course
Day 3
Site visit to a restored heritage mansion and finishing work
Difficulty
Demanding — lifting stone blocks and working in outdoor heat
Age suitability
16 and up
Gallery
Freshly cut laterite blocks curing in the sun
Diogo setting a stone course
Restored laterite mansion facadePhotographs from this experience will replace these panels once available.
Included
- Laterite blocks and masonry tools
- Daily hands-on instruction with the mason
- Site visit to a restored heritage mansion
Not included
- Flights to Goa
- Accommodation
- Meals
Before you arrive
- · Wear sturdy closed shoes and work clothes
- · Bring gloves if you have sensitive hands
- · Stay hydrated, most work happens outdoors
Frequently asked
Is this physically difficult?
Yes, expect to lift and position stone blocks, though pacing is adjusted to the group's fitness.
Can I see finished laterite buildings during the workshop?
Yes, Day 3 includes a guided visit to a restored heritage mansion in Loutolim.
What people say
“Never thought I'd understand why old Goan houses look the way they do — now I get the stone itself.”
Vikram S. · 5/5
“Hard work but genuinely fascinating. Diogo's knowledge of the quarry was incredible.”
Claire M. · 5/5
Not a sight to see — a practice to enter.