Old
Goa
Once the administrative
capital of the Portuguese empire in the East, Old Goa is blessed with churches,
chapels and convents of unsurpassed architectural beauty, befitting its label
as ‘Golden Goa’ or ‘Rome of the East’. The conquest of Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque
in 1510 saw the advent of several religious orders like the Franciscans,
Jesuits, Augustinians, Dominicans and Carmelites, who left their stamp with the
many monuments they built in Old Goa.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Built in the 16th century,
this magnificent edifice is the most popular and famous of all the churches in
Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are
enshrined here. The casket was wrought by Goan silversmiths in 1636 - 37.
Dedicated to Infant Jesus, this church is now a World Heritage Monument.
Timings : Sunday : 10.30
to 18.30 hrs. Weekdays : 9.00 to 18.30 hrs Masses: Sundays :
08.00 & 9.15 hrs. Weekdays : 7.00 & 8.00 hrs.
Se Cathedral
The most imposing of all the
churches at Old Goa, its vaulted interior overwhelms visitors with its sheer
grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells, among them the famous Golden bell, the
biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. The church is dedicated to
St.Catherine of Alexandria..
Masses – Sunday 7.15 a.m.
10.00 a.m. and 4.00 pm Weekdays : 7.30 am and 6.00 pm.
Church of St.Francis of
Assissi
The entrance and the choir
were built in the Manueline style, the only fragment of its kind in the East.
First built in 1517, it was later rebuilt twice, in 1521 and in 1661. The
interior is illustrated with exquisite paintings and the floor has a large
number of tombstones with coats-of-arms. The adjacent convent now houses the
Archaeological Museum.
St.Cajetan Church
Built in 1661 in the style of
St.Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It has a Corinthian façade with the main altar
dedicated to Our Lady if Divine Providence.
Church of Our Lady of
Rosary
One of the earliest built in
Goa, the church bears an inscription on the conquest of Goa by Afonso de
Abuquerque in 1510.
Nunnery of Santa Monica
Built like a fortress, it is
significant for its massive walls and buttresses. It is the only nunnery in
Goa. The convent has a vast courtyard with a cloister. Its three storeys have
numerous cells and halls.
Ruins of Church of
St.Augustine
Close to the Nunnery is a
lofty tower, defying the vagaries of the weather. The tower is the only
surviving one of the four that once stood there. The Church when intact was
perhaps the biggest in Goa. Another chapter to its history was added recently
with the unearthing of the tomb of Queen Ketevan of Georgia.
Viceroy’s Arch
One of the gates of Adil
Shah’s Fort, it was renovated by the Portuguese conquerors and was the gateway
to Goa for Portuguese Governors. Every incoming Viceroy used to disembark at
this place.
Other Churches
Reis Magos Church
The Reis Magos church was
constructed in 1555 and was one of the earliest churches built in Goa and the
first in Bardez Taluka dedicated to the three Magi–Kings. This church was once
the residence of all dignitaries and also a mission centre of the Franciscan
order. There is a fort adjacent to this church.
Church of Mae de Deus
Situated amidst picturesque
surroundings, the Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao (Bardez) was built in 1873.
The shrine of the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus (Mother of God) was brought
from the ruins of the convent of Mae de Deus at Old Goa. This beautiful church
is amongst the finest in the Gothic style and is attractively illuminated at
night.
Church of St. Alex
Nine kms from Margao, this
church at Curtorim is one of the oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.
Church of St. Ana
Talaulim. Built in 1695
on the bank of the Siridao river, its unique feature are the hollow walls
through which people could walk in secrecy for confession.
Rachol Seminary
Situated just off the banks of
the Zuari river, 12 kilometers from Margao in South Goa and built in 1574—1610,
this majestic seminary is a centre of learning in philosophy and theology.
Forever GOA
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