OLD GOA
A magnificent complex of churches spread along a 1.5-km (1-mile) stretch marks the site of Old Goa, the Portuguese capital until the mid-18th century. Portugal’s Goa Dourada (“Golden Goa”) was once a city inhabited by more than 30,000 people. The area, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has two of the state’s most important religious monuments, the Basilica de Bom Jesus and the grand Sé Cathedral.
Old Goa
NEED TO KNOW
Viceroy’s Arch
Basilica de Bom Jesus: Rua das Naus de Ormuz; 0832 228 5790; open daily
Church of St Francis of Assisi: Off NH 4; open 7:30am–6:30pm daily
Church and Monastery of St Augustine
Archaeological Museum: Convent of St Francis of Assisi; 0832 228 5333; open 9am–5pm Sat–Wed
Church of St Catejan: E of Viceroy’s Arch; open daily
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Gateway of Adil Shah’s Palace
Church of Our Lady of the Mount
Sé Cathedral: Senate Square; open 7am–6:30pm daily
1. Viceroy’s Arch
Over 1,000 ships a year brought new arrivals to Goa in the 17th century. They passed under this archway, built by Francisco da Gama (Viceroy, 1597–1600).
The historical Viceroy’s Arch surrounded by greenery
2. Basilica de Bom Jesus
The basilica was the first in South Asia to be granted the status of Minor Basilica in 1946. It is revered by Roman Catholics since it houses the mortal remains of Goa’s patron saint, Francis Xavier.
3. Church of St Francis of Assisi
This is one of Old Goa’s most important churches. Built by the Franciscan friars in 1521, it has a carved and gilded main altar, which depicts the crucified Jesus, four Evangelists, St Francis, and Our Lady with the infant Jesus.
4. Church and Monastery of St Augustine
Erected by the Augustinian order in 1597, this Gothic-style church was abandoned in 1835, and its roof caved in seven years later. The belfry is all that remains of what was once India’s largest church.
Ruins of the Gothic-style Church and Monastery of St Augustine
5. Archaeological Museum
Housed in the Convent of St Francis of Assisi, this museum exhibits pre-colonial sculptures. A statue of the Portuguese general, Alfonso de Albuquerque, who conquered Goa in 1510, stands near the museum entrance.
Sculptures at the Archaeological Museum
6. Church of St Cajetan
Built by Italian friars, this church is known for the exuberant woodcarvings on its high altar and pulpit. The dome is laid out in the shape of a Greek cross.
Intricate wood-carvings on the high altar, Church of St Cajetan
7. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
This is one of Goa’s earliest Manueline-style churches. The tomb of Dona Catarina, the first Portuguese woman to migrate to Goa, lies here.
8. Gateway of Adil Shah’s Palace
The gate, comprising a lintel and basalt pillars, is all that survives of Yusuf Adil Shah’s palace. It was also used as the viceroys’ residence until 1695.
9. Church of Our Lady of the Mount
Goa’s first viceroy, Alfonso de Albuquerque, built this church in 1526 after his victory over Yusuf Adil Shah. The church sits on top of a hill and offers great views of Old Goa.
10. Sé Cathedral
Designed in the 16th century and built over a period of 80 years, this cathedral is believed to be Asia’s largest. The gilded high altar depicts the life of St Catherine of Alexandria on six panels.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF OLD GOA
Most of the buildings encompass a range of European styles, from sober Renaissance to exuberant Baroque and Portuguese Manueline, named after its patron King Manuel I, which uses nautical motifs. Almost all the churches are made of local laterite, a red and porous stone traditionally coated with lime whitewash to prevent erosion during the monsoons.
