Places of Worship in Goa
Churches in Goa
Old Goa: (10 kms from Panaji)
East of Panaji, lies the site of city of Old Goa, founded by Adil Shah in the
first decade of 16th century. It was being developed by them with a view to
shifting their capital from Bijapur. However, Afonso de Albuquerque made a short
work of it when he stormed and took it over to house the centre of power of
the Portuguese colonies.
i)
Basilica of Born Jesus:
Built in 16th century is the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa.
The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined
here. This church dedicated to Infant Jesus is now a World Heritage Monument.
Timings: Sunday: 10.00 to 18.30hrs. Weekdays: 09.00 to 18.30 hrs, Masses: Sunday:
08.00 & 09.15 hrs. Weekdays: 07.00 & 08.00 hrs.
ii)
Se Cathedral:
Most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted interior overwhelms the
visitors by sheer grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells of which one is the
famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. The
church is dedicated to St. Catherine.
iii)
Church of St. Francis of Assissi:
The entrance and the choirare in Manueline style, the only fragment of its kind
in the East. The interior is illustrated with exquisite paintings. The adjacent
convent now houses the Archaeological Museum.
iv)
St. Cajetan Church:
Built in the style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
v)
Church of Our Lady of Rosary:
One of the earliest built in Goa, bears an inscription about the conquest of
Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510.
vi)
Nunnery of Santa Monica:
Built like a fortress, is significant for its massive walls and buttresses.
It is the only nunnery in Goa.
vii)
Ruins of Church of St. Augustine:
Close to the Nunnery is a lofty towel defying the torrential rains. The tower
is one of the four of St. Augustine Church that once stood there. The Church
when intact was perhaps the biggest in Goa.
viii)
Viceroy's Arch:
One of the gates of Adil Shah's Fort. It was renovated by Portuguese and was
the gateway to Goa for Portuguese Governors. Every incoming Viceroy used to
disembark at this place.
Reis Magos Church: (7 kms from Panaji)
The Reis Magos Church was constructed in 1555.1 is one of the earliest churches
built in Goa and the first in Bardez taluka, dedicated to 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.
The Church of de Dens at Saligao (Bardez): (13 kms from Panaji)
Built in 1873, is situated amidst picturesque surroundings. The shrine of the
miraculous statue of Mae de Deus (Mother of God) was brought from the ruins
of the convent of Mae de Deusat Old Goa. This beautiful church is the finest
piece o gothic style. The Church is well illuminated at night.
The Church of St. Alex at Curtorim: (9 kms from Margao)
It is one of the oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.
The Church of St. Ana at Talaulim. Ilhas: (11 kms from Panaji)
Dedicated to St. Ana, is a remarkable piece of ancient Christian architecture.
It was built in 1695 on the right bank of Siridao river and has picturesque
surroundings. The unique feature of this church is that it has hollow walls
through which people could walk in secrecy for the purpose of confession.
Rachol Seminary:
Situated just off the banks of Zuari river, 12 kilometres from Margao in South
Goa. In 1521 the Portuguese, in their customary fashion first built a church,
then a prison, later in 1574-1610 a seminary to impart philosophy and theology.
It is in this seminary that the museum of Christian Art is housed.
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