Fascinating Tours

The churches in Goa form an invaluable part of the cultural heritage of Goa. The study of the churches in Goa showcases the evolution in the architectural styles of the churches. The churches in Goa are the silent witness of the glory of the Portuguese rule in Goa. There are many churches in Goa out of which some have continued with their long tradition of worship while some have now left only as outstanding pieces of Portuguese architectural skills. The churches and convents of Goa are listed as world Heritage Sites.

Se Cathedral
Alfonso de Albuquerque, the Roman Catholic ruler of Goa, built the Se Cathedral in the 16th century AD. It is the largest church in Asia and was originally built of mud, stones and straw. Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa on 25th November, which is the St. Catherine's Day and therefore dedicated the church to St. Catherine.

Church of St. Francis Of Assisi
A few Franciscan mendicants came to Goa in 1517 AD. They built the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. At the time of its construction, it was only a chapel and was upgraded to a church in 1521 AD. The church was dedicated to the Holy Spirit on 2nd August 1602 AD. The convent was closed for worship at the orders of the Portuguese Government in 1835 AD. The church came under the Archaeological Survey of India and they opened a museum in the church in 1964. The church museum displays the antiquities, artifacts and paintings and pieces of Hindu temple sculptures found from all around Goa.

Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is the most famous and sacred church of Goa. The church is important, as it possesses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, Patron Saint of Goa and the Apostle of the Indies. The construction of the church was initiated on the 24th November 1594 AD. It became the only church in India to attain the status of a minor basilica in 1946. The relics of St. Francis Xavier were put in the church from 1623-55 AD. Saints fingers are displayed to the public every year on the day of the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, i.e., on 3rd of December. The body is also put on display but once in every ten years. The last pubic display of the body was in 2004.

Church of Lady of Rosary
The Church of Lady of Rosary is on the top of the Holy Hill or Monte Santo. It is the very place where Alfonso de Albuquerque led his troops to victory in 1510 AD. It was given the status of a church in 1543 AD. The façade of the church gives an appearance of a fortress rather than a church.