Old Goa is located on the banks of the Mandovi River. Old Goa also called as Velha Goa.It contains no.of heritage sites,Cathedrals,Temples,and Churches.Most of them are well preserved and still in used.Old Goa was established by Bijapur sultanate in 15th century and after it was conquered by the Portuguese in the 16th century and served as a capital for the Portuguese people in India in 16th century.
Old Goa is considered as one of the most finest representations of the exclusive Baroque architecture and it has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.It is one of the most famous Portuguese architecture in India.Here you will find some Churches,Cathedrals,which represent the Portuguese architectural style.The Bom Jesus Basilica is mostfamous Church in Old Goa and it is considered as one of the finest representation of the architecture.Old Goa is about 11 km. from Panajim bus stand.Karmali and Thivim are the nearest Railway station.
1.Bom Jesus Basilica:
Built in 1594 and consecrated in 1605.The oldest Church in Goa and still in good condition.
It has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational ,Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Se Cathedral is the largest Church in Asia.The construction was built in the 16th century under the Portuguese rule in India.The church is famous for its bell known as the “Golden Bell” and it is the largest bell in Goa.
Se Cathedral |
3.Church of St.Francis:
The church of St.Francis of Assisi was built by the portuguese in the portuguese Viceroyalty of India in 16th century .It is located on the West side of the Se Cathedral.It is a Roman Catholic Church situated in the old Goa.This site is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Museum of Christian Art was established in 19th century and is one of its kind in whole Asia.It contains exquisite and elegant collection of ivory,Gold,Silver,Wood and Textile ,Sculptures, Paintings,which are from 16th century to 20th century. It is perfect destination for Art lovers.
5.Church of Our Lady Of the Rosary:
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is catholic church was established in 15th century.It is one of the oldest church in Old Goa and still in perfect condition.In 1986 the UNESCO declared the church as a World Heritage Site.
6.Church of St Cajetan:
Church of St cajetan was established in the 16th century and it is one of the most beautiful churches of Goa.Exclusive architectural structure and paintings will remind you the rich history of this land.The church was built by Italian friars.The name of the church is derived from the name of its founder called St.Cajetan.
Church of St Cajetan |
7.Church Of Our Lady of the Mount:
The church is located on the top of the hill behind St.Cajetan church.It was built in the 15th century
under the orders of Alfanso de Albuquerque and after it was reconstructed twice.Church of Our Lady of the Mount is also famous for music festival which is held in the month of February.
8.Ruins of the Church of St.Augustine:
The construction was completed in the 1602 and is part of the World Heritage Site.It is situated on the top of the Monte Santo(Holly Hill).It was built by Augustine friars who landed in Goa in 15th century.
9.Convent and Church of St.John:
It is located to the east of the tower of St.Augustine.Convent and Church of St.John was built in 1685 and it is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Success.The convent was abandoned in 1835.
Wax World Museum has been listed as India’s second wax museum which consists of a collection sculptures which represents the history and contemporary personalities.All statues are made from paraffin wax,the hair used is natural and teeth and eyes are artificial. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi,
Mother Teresa are the most famous attraction.Here you will find the statue called ‘say no to drugs’
which will shows you the side effects of taking drugs.
11.Kristu Kala Mandir Art Gallery:
It is located between the Church of St.Francis of Assisi and Se Cathedral .Kristu kala Mandir Art
gallery is perfect spot for Art lovers and evince a illustrious collection of Christian Art.