Churches of Goa

Category : - All India Travel Tourism > Goa > Religious Places > Churches

Churches are the most conspicuous presence of Christian religion and architecture in the Goan landscape. Stark white churches standing tall against the backdrop of a clear, blue sky and visible from a distance dot the villages and islands along the highway that lead to Panaji. This leads to the first false impression a visitor to Goa gathers that Goa is a predominantly Christian state. Churches are ubiquitous in the areas of Old conquest. In Goa, Christians are mostly Roman Catholic and Protestants number a few. As such, almost all major churches are Catholic churches.

In this section, we take you to a tour of the most magnificent churches of Goa, which attract tourists from all over the world for their splendid architecture and historical importance.

Roman Catholic Churches

BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
Built in 16th century at Old Goa, the former capital of the Portuguese at a distance of 10 kms. east of Panaji, it is the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. This church is connected on the southern end with the Professed House built by Jesuits in 1585 but was partially damaged in fire in 1663 and was rebuilt in 1783. The church is called 'Bom Jesus' meaning 'Good Jesus' or 'Infant Jesus' to whom it is dedicated. 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: 1000 to 1830 hours; Weekdays: 0900 to 1830 hours. Masses: Sunday: 0800 hours and 0915 hours; Weekdays: 0700 and 0800 hours.

CHAPEL OF ST. CATHERINE
Located near the eastern side of the Archaeological Museum at Old Goa, this chapel was constructed c.1512 as an act of thanks by Albuquerque for his victory over the Bijapur forces in 1510 and his entry into the city on St. Catherine's Day.

CHAPEL OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
It lies just south-east of the central square at Old Goa and north of the main road to Ponda. Within the enclosure of the College of St. Paul, this chapel of the Doric order was in existence 1545. However, with the abandonment of the area on the outbreak of epidemic in 1570, the chapel fell into ruins and the present chapel was built in 1884.

CHURCH OF MAE DE DEUS
The Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao, in Bardez Taluka and 13 kms from Panaji was built in 1873. It 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.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
Situated at Colva on the way to Colva beach, this magnificent church was built in 1630 and erected into parochial church by Bishop Governor by dispatch of 28.05.1635. Child Jesus or Infant Jesus (Menino Jesus) is venerated in this church with special devotion.

CHURCH OF ST. ALEX
9 kms. from Margao at Curtorim, it is one of the oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.

CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW
This famous church of Goa Velha was originally built in 1583 but was abandoned for fear of its collapse. The present church, named after the Patron St. Andrew, the Apostle, was built in 1868 in a different place at the same village. The most remarkable feature of this church is the Procession of All Saints, the only such procession besides Rome, when 31 statues of the saints are taken in a procession on the 5th Monday of Lent around the whole village covering some 2-km distance. In the beginning, the number of statues was 65. The statues were taken from the Monastery of the Capuchos at Pilar in 1835 after the extinction of this religious order.

CHURCH OF ST. CAJETAN
Built in the style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in c.1655 AD near the Viceroy's Arch at Old Goa, it is well maintained and a splendid example of Christian architecture. It was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines who were sent by the Pope Urban III. Now known as the Church of the Divine Providence. A pastoral college for newly ordained priests is adjacent to it.

CONVENT AND NUNNERY OF SANTA MONICA
Opposite to Church and Convent of St. John of God, on the right fork of the road, lies the Convent of Santa Monica. The construction started in 1606 was completed in 1627, but destroyed in a fire in 1636 and rebuilt in 1637. Also referred to as Royal Monastery, the church in the monastery is dedicated to St. Mary. The building now houses the Mater dei Institute for nuns, which was inaugurated in 1964. Built like a fortress, it is significant for its massive walls and buttresses. It is the only nunnery in Goa.

OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
It is one of the oldest buildings in Panaji. Founded before 1541 and rebuilt in 1619, it is the focal point of the city's religious feasts.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
Built in 1544-49 at Old Goa in Manueline style, it is the oldest remaining church in Goa. This was built in fulfillment of a vow taken by Afonso de Albuquerque during fight with the Bijapur forces. It bears an inscription about the conquest of Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510.

SE CATHEDRAL
It is the most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted interior overwhelms the visitors by sheer grandeur. Architecturally, Portuguese-Gothic in style, the exterior of the building is Tuscan and the interior Corinthian. This Cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, the sound of which is immortalised in a Portuguese poem, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. The church is dedicated to St. Catherine. The construction of this church began in 1562, the main body was completed in 1619 and the altars in 1652. The Portuguese Government built it for the Dominicans.

Christian Seminaries

PILAR SEMINARY
11 kms. From Panaji, it is an important religious and educational centre of Christian Missionaries. The Church, Seminary and School atop hillock command a magnificent panorama of the countryside around and a fine view of Mormugao Harbour & Zuari river.

RACHOL SEMINARY
It is situated just off the banks of Zuari river, 12 kms. From Margao and 40 kms. From Panaji in Salcete Taluka 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.

SALIGAO SEMINARY
Also known as Our Lady's Seminary, this minor seminary was built on a hillock close to the village of Saligao in Bardez taluka in 1952, although its construction started in 1937. It is a majestic structure, having spacious halls, lecture rooms, dormitories and a small chapel therein. Situated at a distance of 10 kms. From Panaji, this seminary imparts initial or preparatory courses for priesthood, after which the students are sent to Rachol seminary for further studies.