GOA CHURCHES

CHURCHES IN GOA

Goa is famous for its presence of famous and historically important churches. A tourist cannot miss the opportunity of being in this historically important worship places

Se Cathedral Church

The Cathedral was constructed in the 15th century and is one of the most ancient churches in Goa. This has impressive interiors. The golden bell kept here was told to be the biggest in the world. There are 14 chapels that flank the church. This has been renowned as the largest church in Asia, built of mud straw and stones. The church had a number of alterations and a second one was built in 1515 AD. The church is built in Tuscan Doric style.

Ruins of Church of St. Augustine

This was constructed by the Augustinian mendicants in 1572 AD. After a ban was imposed on religious orders by the Portuguese government, the church was abandoned and today what remains is the ruins. The bell tower with no bell remains. The bell has been removed to Fort Aguada first and then to the church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception at Panaji since 1871 AD and can be seen there today.

The Church of St Anne at Talaulim, Ilhas

This is noted for the architectural excellence. The size is quite commanding.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

This is in Old Goa. The plastering of the church has been removed by conservationist. This was built by the Jesuit fathers in 1594. Remains of St. Francis Xavier is kept here. This is the most venerated Church in Goa. In 1946 this church became the only one in the rank of a basilica. Saints fingers are venerated on the 3rd of December every year and the body is put on display every ten years. The last one was 2004.

Reis Magos Church

The church is on the banks of the Mandovi river. The Reis Magos fort is also here.

St. Cajetan Church

The church is some half a kilometer of Se Church. This is magnificent. This has been built in the Corinthian Style in the fashion of St. Peters Basilica in Rome.

Convent and Church of St. Monica

This is an interesting church in Old Goa.

Church of St. Francis Assisi

The Church of St. Francis Assisi is near the Se Cathedral. The former bishopric connects this to the Church of St. Francis Assisi. The Church, one of the famous churches of Goa was built in 1660 - 1760 AD known to be the Indian Baroque Period.

Church of St. Paul

This was constructed as a seminary. Fr. Diodo de Borba and Fr. Miguel Vaz established this. They also founded the Santa Fe confraternity.

Church of Mary of Immaculate Conception

This was one of the earliest built churches in Goa during the reign of the Portuguese.

Chapel of St. Catherine

Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa on 25th of November, the day of St. Catherine. The church has been built in memory of this: it continued until Se Cathedral was built.

Church of Lady of Rosary

This is atop the hill Monte Santo or the holy hill. The Franciscans were entrusted with the upkeep of the church, built in Manueline style of architecture. This is the oldest surviving Church in Goa built in 1510 - 1550 AD.