Churches are the essential part of the social, cultural and religious life of Goa. These churches began to build after the entrenchment of the Portuguese in Goa. Large part of the Goan population is converted to Christanity with the effect of Portuguese power. The architecture of these churches reminds us the glorious past of Goa state. The Portuguese seized lands which were for building temples and built churches instead of temples. Architecture of many churches are based on buildings in Rome and Lisbon but the hindu influence can also be seen on these churches to ornament them. This perfect blend of hindu and roman architecture gives a unique look to the churches in Goa.
North Goa Churches
All important churches of North Goa are situated in Old Goa. These churches describe the glorious past of North Goa. Old Goa or Velha Goa are the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. These churches are quite important from the point of view of the architectural style and historical glory. Some important churches of Old Goa are Basicila of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine and Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus is built in the 16th century. This church is devoted to the infant Jesus, Basicila of Bom Jesus. Eloquent structure of Jesus is established here. The interior of the church is very dignified but still it is simple. Church building is three storeys and has some elegantly engraved decorations. This architectural style of the church is influenced by Church of St. Paul which is now in ruins. The main attraction is the presence the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. It is put up on the right side of the altar. There is another attractive sound-and-light show about Jesus, St. Francis Xavier and blessed Joseph Vaz. There are throng of people come to this churh on December 6 to have the feast of St. Francis Xavier.
Se Cathedral
Se Cathedral is located just opposite the Basilica De Bom Jesus. The construction of the church begins from 1562 and its construction is continued for nearly three-fourth of a century. It is constructed by the order of the Portuguese ruler, King Dom Sebastiao. It is considered as a substitution of the old church of St. Catherine. It is the largest church of Asia. This church has a very impressive interior and architectural style. Se Cathedral is devoted to St. Catherine. Its outer surroundings have a sound architectural style. There is a bell hung in the existing tower. This bell is called as “Golden Bell” as it produces sound so rich and natural. The interior of the church is quite simple but is quite gigantic. Its walls and ceiling is adorned with gold and quite popular place among tourists. The church is just 3 minutes walk away from the Viceroy’s Arch. Francisco De Gama is a gateway to Goa for the governors of the Portuguese. Every new viceroy is welcomed here and handed over the keys to the city with many celebrations.
Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence
Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence is located just right of the Viceroy’s Arch and just 3 minutes walk away from Se Cathedral. Its architecture is based on the building style of St. Rome of Rome. It is well decorated with ornaments from within. Its face in the front describes the beauty of the architecture, with Corinthian columns and It also has an aisle with a Baroque interior.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Church of St. Francis of Assisi is located just opposite the Basilica of Bom Jesus. It is also associated with Se Cathedral. It was built in 1521 and rebuilt in 1661. Its architectural brilliance is quite prevalent from the Tuscan Façade, Baroque Interior or the main entrance in Manuline style. This church is decorated with the paintings of the 17th century based on the life of St. Francis. Main altar is quite impressive and beautiful carved tombstones catch the sight instantly. There is also an Archaeological Museum situated in the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. Church also exhibits the sixty portraits of Goa’s governors and viceroys from Portugal. Sao Gabriel is the model of the ship and Vasco Da Gama sailed through the ship to the India in 1948. There are bronze statue of St. Catherine from the Viceroy’s Arch and the statue of the Afonso De Albuquerque and the statues of Vishnu and Surya, the hindu Gods situated here in the church.
Chapel of St. Catherine
Chapel of St. Catherine is also a place worth visiting in Goa. It is located between the Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. This church was built in 1510 by Afonso De Albuquerque to welcome him into Old Goa on st. Catherine Day. It was rebuilt twice in 1550 and 1952. It square towers on the edge of the three storey structure, is a rejuvenating thing to see there.
Church of St. Cajetan
This church is located adjacent to the Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence. It was built by the Italian friars. Church of St. Cajetan name is borrowed from St. Cajetan who is the founder of the Theatine Order. This convent has also Pastoral Institute of St. Pius X of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Alters present here are dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence. There are paintings located on the left side of the church based on the life of St. Cajetan. Its façade, its altar and the paintings are exhilarating. You will also visit the gate of the palace of Adil Shah during the visit of the church. It is made of Lava. The gate of the church stands on the raised surface from the six steps in front of the gate. The palace of Adil Shah is quite beautiful building. The Portuguese Governors resided here till 1695. With the passage of time and neglecting attitude, the palace deteriorated and was demolished in 1820. Now the only remaining parts are the gates to see.
Church of Our Lady of Rosary
Church of Our Lady of Rosary is located towards the south of Basilica De Bom Jesus. It is one of the oldest churches of Goa. It was built by Afonso De Albuquerque in 1544 to celebrate his victory as he defeated the Yusuf Adil Shah. It is simply designed in the Manuline Style. The Indian Motifs were used to decorate the maion altar and gives us a picture of hindu influence. There is also some influence of Gujarati temples too.
Royal Chapel of St. Anthony
It is located just some small steps away from the church of Our Lady of Rosary. This church was built in the beginning of the 17th century. It is devoted to St. Anthony who was the patron saint of Portugal. This is a small church shaped semicircular and does not attached to any particular style. In 1961, the Portuguese Government renewed this chapel.
Church of St. Augustine
Church of St. Augustine is devoted to Our Lady of Graces. It was built by the Augustinian Friars in 1602. It is located just opposite to the Royal Chapel of St. Anthony. It just takes 5 minutes to reach here from the Basilica. Earlier, it was the largest church in Goa. It was deserted in 1835 because of the religious banishments and riots and then collapsed in 1842. Only the bell tower, 46 m high, remained in the church after the demolishment of the church.
Convent of St. Monica
Convent of St. Monica is just a stone throw away from the church of St. Augustine. It is located just before the Church of Our Lady of Rosary. It is a three storey laterite building. This convent was built in 1606 and rebuilt in 1637. It is very much alike to a Royal Monastery because of the royal assistance it got. It offers as a peculiar convent for the European, Eurasians and Goans. The church situated in the convent is devoted to St. Mary. Mater Dei Institute use it as a theological centre from 1964.
Church of nosa Senhora De Monte
The church is a worth visiting place in Goa. This church was built in 1519 located on the top of a hill and this is considered as an advantage to the location of the church. It is a small church but still influential. It is situated at a very good location to enjoy the scenic beauty all around and its steps are made up of regal laterite. If you are coming from Basilica, go down the NH4A till the Ganhi Statue Square and then take the left turn and go towards the post-office. The church is just opposite to the post-office. The paintings and graffito are used to decorate the walls and are worth visiting. Old Goa is just 10 km away from Panjim city and the Old Goa and Panaji are interconnected by NH4A. After reaching the city of Panjim, you can easily choose between a taxi or a bus reach Old Goa.
Church of Reis Magos
Church of Reis Magos is located on the banks of Mandovi. It was built in 1551. The church of Reis Magos is situated at the foot of the Reis Magos Fort. From the Fort, the sea looks magnificent and quite impressive. The gala of the three kings is celebrated with excitement in Reis Magos Village. It was built by Franciscan Missionaries and devoted to St. Jerome. Its interior is quite impressive with the tombs of three viceroys. It is very much evident from the façade and the lions represented at the foot of the steps that the church architecture is very much influenced by the Hindu. Magi paying tribute to infant Jesus is placed on the top of the altar. The bus service is available to reach at the Reis Magos Junction that bridged between Betim and Calangute-Candolim. One can take a ferry from Panaji to reach there.
Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Church is located in the church square in Panaji city. It is considered as a landmark here. It is a parish church, built in 1619. The steps are built in Gothic style in the church. A central base is also added in 1871. The main altar is designed in Baroque style is a attraction in the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The church is decorated with lights on December 8 and during the Christmas festival. On this occasion, many people gathered there to enjoy and celebrate the festivals. This church is located at the center of the Panjim city. It is so easy to reach there from Panaji.
The Church of St. ana at Talaulim, Ilhas
The church is located in Talaulim Village, 4 km north of Pilar. Firstly, the church was built in 16th century and then rebuilt in 1695. The architecture of the church is based on the style of the Augustinian Monastery in Old Goa. Its baroque façade, square towers, Pinnacles and balustrades gives us the sight of the impressive architecture of the church. Portuguese Fundacro Oriente carried out the restoration work of the church and the obsolete details are again highlighted.
South Goa Churches
Church of Holy Spirit
It is very popular church in South Goa as it is the main church in Margao. It was built by Jesuit Friar Antonio De Quadros in 1565. It was built after the demolition of Damodar Temple in 1564. It was razed by the Muslim Invaders and reconstructed many times. The present Church of Holy Spirit was constructed in 1675. This church is based on Basilica De Bom Jesus. Its altar is quite impressive with a gilded and carved archway. The church interior is based on the style of Indo-Baroque. It is quite regal and spacious. It is located near Margao’s Old Market.
