Any reference to Goa is incomplete until we make a mention of the magnificent churches. These churches are probably the second most loved attraction in Goa after the beaches. Velha Goa or Old Goa is the best place to see the churches. This is the place that the Portuguese chose as their capital city when they descended on Goa in the 16th century. They built churches on the land that was intended for the temples and converted the people to Christianity. Today, these Old Goan churches, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attract many devotees and tourists.
Among the popular churches are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Se Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence, the Church of San Francisco de Asís, the Chapel of Santa Catalina, the Church of San Cayetano, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Church of San Agustin. , Church of Nossa Senhora De Monte, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Church of Reis Magos.
The three-story Bom Jesus Basilica is dedicated to the baby Jesus. Its main attraction is the mortal remains of San Francisco de Javier, patron saint of Goa. The Light and Sound show on Jesus, San Francisco Javier and Blessed José Vaz is an added attraction.
Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, is located right in front of the Basilica of Bom Jesus and looks grand. The highlight of this church is its Tuscan exterior and the ‘Golden Bell’, whose rich ringing is responsible for its name.
The interiors of the Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence are beautifully decorated, as are those of San Francisco de Asís. Both churches are closed by the Sé Cathedral. Apart from the architecture, the 17th century paintings on the life of Saint Francis and the exhibits in the Archaeological Museum which include sixty portraits of Goa’s governors, a model of a ship and a statue of Saint Catherine also impresses visitors in the church of San Francisco de Asís.
Afonso de Albuquerque built two churches, the Chapel of Santa Catalina and the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The first one was built by him to mark his entry into Goa while the other one was built to signify his victory over Yusuf Adil Shah.
There is a lot to know about the churches of Goa. This time on your Goa vacation try to discover them all.