Goa has it all, sun, sand and sea. It’s nature’s mankind. An unique blend of Latin & Oriental, incredibly rich in monuments and historical sites – heritage churches of Goa, dazzling variety of exotic flora and fauna. Lush green hinterland, rivers that offer water adventure sports that will thrill you beyond expectation.
Goa has a timeless charm… its uniqueness lies in the fact that whilst creating a delicate synthesis of various cultures, it has retained its inherent soul. The Portuguese names it “The Peal of the orient . Goa Owes its dominant Christian influences to almost four centuries of Portuguese rule. The Portuguese came in 1510 and gained control. The ensuing Portuguese influences produced a blend of East and West, which is exotic and distinct. Christmas and Carnival are celebrated as enthusiastically as Diwali.
Goa, Jewels of India, is situated with a number of churches that remain witnesses to the intense religious history of the land.
The beach capital of India, Goa has more to offer beyond the beautiful nature – Amongst the other must visits landmarks in Goa are its many churches. The churches of Goa are monuments in stone. There are of permanent interest to the historian, the archaeologist, the student of art and architecture, the tourist and indeed to every curious intellect.
The “ Church of Old Goa” has received recognition by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.
Indian Safaris brings you to the short description of various churches of your interest.
Dedicated to infant (Bom) Jesus, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world. The church houses the Holy sacrament and the remains of St. Francis Zavier. The construction of the church began in 1594 and was completed in 1605. Its richly glided main alter has the figure of infant Jesus. Up above, there is a big statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the order of Jesuit. The Holy Trinity – the father, the son and the Holy Ghost are depicted on a medallion.
2) SE CATHERDAL
This is the largest church in Goa, India and reportedly all Asia. The original building was constructed of mud and stones and straw and was erected in 1510 and was dedicated to St. Catherine for it was on St. Catherine Day – Nov 25 that Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. The Portuguese viceroy, Dom Francisco Coutinho, the Count of Redondo (1561 – 1564) commissioned its construction. The Construction began in 1562 and completed in 1652. He wanted it to be “a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the pacific. Se Cathedral has 14 altars, an 80m long aisle and 5 bells – one of them is famous “Golden Bell”.
3) THE CHAPEL OF St. Xavier
Architecturally, it is the Doric order. The chapel was within the enclosure of the College St. Paul and was dedicated either to St. Anthony or to St. Jerome. As the chapel was used by St. Francis Xavier , it was re0dedicated to him after his canonization IN 1622. The Original chapel fell into ruins in 1570 and the present chapel was rebuilt in 1884.
4) CHURCH OF St. Alex
Church of St Alex, with its two towers and a magnificent dome displays the beauty of the architectural style and ornate altars.
5) RIES MAGOS CHURCH
Also known as Church of the Three Magi Kings, built in 1555, was once a mission centre of the Franciscan Order of Monks. At another times it was the official residence of the Portuguese dignitaries.
6) THE CHURCH OF MAE DE DEUS
Situated 13 kms from Panaji amidst picturesque surroundings , in the village of Saligao, this beautiful church is the finest piece of gothic style. The shrine of the miraculous statue of Mae De Deus (Mother of God) was brought here.
7) CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW
At the northern end of Goa Velha, is the Church of St. Andrew, wherein, a fortnight before Easter, 30 statues of the saints the stolen. Later these are paraded around the roads of the village.
8) THE CHURCH AND CONVENT OF ST. MONICA, GOA
The convent was sanctioned in 1598 and its foundation was laid by the Archibishop of Dom Frei Alexio De Menezes who was also the then Governor of Portuguese India on July 2nd 1606. Its work was completed in 1627. It is a huge three-storied building of laterite with a large inner courtyard and many hall are painted with floral decorations and scenes from the Holy Bible. The convent was subsequently called the Royal Monastery of Santa Monica. It was the first nunnery of the East.
9) CONVENT & CHUR OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Built by eight Franciscan who, upon their arrival in 1517 constructed a small chapel, featuring three altars and a choir. However, this was demolished in 1661 and the present church was rebuilt retaining its old gate made of black stone and exquisitely carved. It as a courtyard and an old large cross made of black stone. It external architecture belongs to the Tuscan order and its interior of the mosaic-Corinthian style. Its length is about 190 feet and its breadth about 60 feet.
10) THE CHAPPEL OF OUR LADY OF THE MOUNT
Situated on an elevation, it is built of laterite plastered with lime mortar. It has three main altars dedicated respectively to our lady of the mount, St. Anthony and St. Andrew. The chapel was built under the orders of Alfonso de Albuquerque in 1510.
11) CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY NOVELIM
It is said to have been built by Alfanso de Albuquerque . Its façade has the appearance of a fortress. In front of its altar lies the tombstone of Garcia de Sa, one of the early governors of Goa and his wife Caterina a Piro- the first Portuguese women to arrive in Goa. It is a fine example of true “ Manueline” style architecture of the early Portuguese. Its interior is simple and has five altars, the main altar of which bears the image of Nossa Senhora De Rozario or Our Lady of the Rosary.
12 ) CONVENT AND CHURCH OF ST. CAJETAN MAPUSA
It was built by Italian friars of order of Theatines in 1640. The Friars were missionaries appointed by then Pope Urban VIII to preach Christianity to the Kingdom of Golconda. The church is dedicated to our Lady of Divine Providence but is popularly called St. Cajetan , the founder of the Order of Theatines. The church of St. Cajetan has been modelled after the Basilica of St. Peter’s Rome. Its length is 121 feet and breadth is 81 feet. It is built of laterite stone and is lime plastered. The external architecture is Corinthian and interior mosaic Corinthian.
13) CHAPEL OF THE CONVENT AND CHUR OF ST. AUGUSTINE
The convent now completely in ruins was constructed by 12 Augustinian Friars in 1572 immediately after their arrival at Goa on September 3rd 1572. The church, now in ruins also was constructed in 1602. It was reportedly in good shape until it was abandoned in 1835 following the banning of religious order by the Portuguese government. The church fell into neglect and its vault collapsed in 1842. All that is left today is a bell tower without the bell.
14) RACHOL SEMINARY
It is 12 kms from Margao in South Goa. In the 1521 the Portuguese , in their customary fashion first built a church and then a prison, alter 1574 a seminary to impart philosophy and theology. The museum of Christian art is housed in this seminary.
15) CHURCH OF ST. ANNE
It was built in 1695 right at the bank of Siridao River at Talaulim. The unique feature of this church is that its hollow walls, through which people could walk in secrecy for the purpose of confession.
Any of these churches in Goa can be included on a private tour with us. As experts in tailor-made tours of this particular region, we’re the ideal match to assist with your arrangements. We’ve visited first-hand all the heritage churches, destinations and hotels we recommend so that you can be assured of a comfortable and memorable experience. Please get in touch if you’d like to begin planning your private tour of Goa together, or take a nosy at our sample itineraries for inspiration.
