Best churches of Old Goa it’s a historical city a place you must visit
Furthermore, the Roman Catholic churches are considered one of the oldest churches in Goa. And hence, were built within a few square kilometers are part of the
Explore the Villages to see some of the best churches around Goa
Firstly, yes, explore the villages and see the beauty of Goa churches and chapels. Moreover, there are many churches in Goa as you move along every village. Hence, although a lot of new construction has come up in Goa, however, there are still many ancient houses and buildings which were built during the Portuguese rule that can be found all over Goa.
What to see in Old Goa
Best churches of Old Goa it’s a historical city a place you must visit
Our Lady of Rosary Church
The Lady of Rosary Church is known for its amazing architecture. And moreover, it was built as a chapel in the year 1543-1547. After 30 years built as a church as many people started living in Monte Santo, a Holy Hill.
Saint Cathedral Church
Saint Cathedral Church construction began in the year 1562. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese. The Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
It is erected on the hillside of Old Goa. Inside the church is the main altar which is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. Hence, few old paintings are displayed on either side.
The Cross of Miracles where the vision of Jesus Christ is said to have appeared in the year 1619. In all, the history of St. Catherine with panels are carved inside the church
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus church construction had begun in the year 1594. St. Francis Xavier was a Roman Catholic missionary. One of the greatest who was known as the Apostle of the East Indies was born in the Kingdom of Navarre (Currently Spain-France) in the year 1506 on April 7. During that time led an extensive mission into Asia and died on 3 December 1552 at the age of 46.
The feast celebration
Moreover, the Saint Francis Xavier feast is celebrated on the 4 December every year. His body is buried in three different countries and each time the body was exhumed it was found to be fresh.
For instance, the body is now preserved without any chemical formulas. Hence, the body lay’s in a coffin with a casket that holds the coffin and the tomb.
All over the world, large tourists attract Old Goa, just to have a glimpse of the body of St. Francis Xavier and the beautiful churches. Hence, numerous healing has been recorded.
Meanwhile, the novena services are held for 9 days. For instance, many tourists and the locals attend in large numbers. Likewise, many stay overnight in the church compound’s designated places.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Subsequently, the church was built in 1661 by the Portuguese. Moreover, it lies to the west of the St. Cathedral and the palace connects the two buildings. Moreover, attached to the church is a convent that has been converted into a museum by the Archeological Survey of India in 1964.
St. Cajetan Church
However, St. Cajetan Church was built in 1661, which is a part of the World Heritage Site. St. Cajetan was a contemporary of St. Francis Xavier and the founder of the Order of monks called the Theatines.
In addition, It’s crowned with a huge hemispherical dome, on the pattern of the Roman Basilica of St. Peter. Therefore, the church is considered to have been modeled on the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Also, there is a museum inside the church which you must visit.
Church of Saint Augustine (now in ruins)
The Church of Saint Augustine this church is popularly known as Our Lady of Grace. However, Its Facade and tower fell down in 1931.
Above all, the church was completed in 1602 and is part of the World Heritage Site. Hence, constructed on Monte Santo on the Holy Hill is perhaps the most mournful memorial. In other words, the ruins were featured in the song Gumnaam Hai Koi, a Hindi hit movie.
However, the tower still standing today is the façade of the old church. Consequently, which was once five stories tall and now standing just a 46-meter high imposing tower. Moreover, the ruins are massive which can be seen here in the picture therefore, for more clarity of the ruins, watch the video above.