Churches of North Goa
Old Goa : (10 kms). East of Panaji, lies the site 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
Albuquerquw 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 Bom 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: 10.30 to 18.30 hrs. 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. Masses- Sunday
7.15 a.m.; 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Weekdays: 7.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.
iii) Church of St. Francis of Assissi : The entrance and the choir are in
Manueline style, the only fragment of its kind in the East. Ther 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 Rasary : 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 butresses. It is the only nunnery in Goa.
vii) Ruins of Church of St. Augustine : Close to the Nunnery is a lofty
tower 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 disemark at this place.
Reis Magos Church : 7 kms. The Reis Magos Church was constructed in 1555.
It 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 Mae de Deus at Saligao (Bardez) : 13 kms. 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 Deus at Old Goa. This beautiful church is the finest piece of 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. Dedicated to St. Ana,
is a remarkable piece of ancient Christian archirecture. 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 : Situate just off the banks of Zuari river, 12 kilometers
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.
