Goa is much more than a place, it epitomizes a whole way of life. It is the place where there is music in the air. A place where heritage seamlessly blends with the contemporary to offer unique experiences to the visitors. Goa in many ways is like a flower with petals of different colours and fragrances. There is Goa known for its beaches, its music and the hippie culture of the sixties. Then again there is the unique local culture of Goa that is the legacy of not only the Portuguese but can also be traced to the earlier rule of the Vijayanagar Empire and the Bahamani Sultanate.
If you turn your gaze away from the mesmerizing beaches and swaying palms you are transported into another dimension of Goa. The past comes alive in the magnificent churches of Goa, which even today awe visitors with their grandeur and mystical aura.
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The Magnificent Churches of Goa
The churches of Goa are one of the main features that lend Goa its character. These churches are living testimony to an era of grandeur. Here are glimpses of some of the iconic churches of Goa, these are the structures that lend Goa its unique character.
Church of Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa holds a special place in our hearts. And why not? In this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site lie the mortal remains of the man who in many ways has indirectly influenced our lives. The remains of St. Francis Xavier, one of the first seven members of the order of Jesuits are interred here. St Francis Xavier’s name is associated with many of the educational institutions in India. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa is of special significance especially to Xavierites irrespective of their religion.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus dates back to the year 1605 and is believed to be the first minor Basilica in India. The golden altar immediately draws your attention when you enter this hallowed place.
A silver casket is where the mortal mummified remains of St. Francis Xavier lie and this is placed on a mausoleum that has been designed by a sculptor named Foggini from the Italian city of Florence. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is an excellent example of the magnificence of the churches of Goa and is an enduring example of Baroque architecture.
Se Cathedral
The magnificent white structure that looked like a glistening pearl in the rain when we visited took more than a hundred years to be completed. The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The church which looks like sheer poetry in stone with its perfect facade is as enchanting from the inside too.
Exquisite interiors of gold, wood, and marble cast a spell over visitors leaving them awed with its sheer grandeur. The Se Cathedral is indeed one of the most magnificent of the churches of Goa. When you visit the Se Cathedral make sure you do not miss to admire the Bell Tower which has the golden bell as well as the main altar which is embellished with motifs that depict the life of St. Catherine.
Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Another white marvel that enthrals you with its beauty is located right in Panaji. This is one of the unique churches of Goa. The twin zig-zag stairs that lead up to the facade are its distinctive feature. The beautiful church also offers nice views of Panaji as it is located on a hillock. The church also houses the ancient Augustinian bell that has been salvaged from the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine. The distinctive stairways are designed based on Bom Jesus De Braga in Portugal.
The church in its current form was built in the year 1619, though there was a small chapel which dates back to 1541. The stairs were, of course, added later in the late 19th century.
The Church of St. Augustine
A tall tower leaning slightly and yet standing defiantly is what remains of the Church of St. Augustine. It is hard to believe that these desolate ruins were once the biggest church of Goa.
The tall structure is mute testimony to a time that is now lost in history. The only tower that has withstood the ravages of time and nature is one of the original four towers that graced the St. Augustine Church which was once the biggest Church in Goa. The ruins of the Church of St. Augustine are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Church dates back to 1602 and was considered to be at par with the great churches of the Renaissance period. But the inexorable march of time and destiny took its toll, in the year 1835, the Augustinians were banished from Goa, the church was abandoned, and left to the mercy of the elements. What stands today is just the belfry of one of the towers to tell the story of the church’s past grandeur.
The soothing sound of church bells is sure to haunt you as you move through time into the past to experience the past glory of the churches of Goa.
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Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with the best travel tips. Go check it out now. Thanks for visiting our site Voyager - imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post! If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected] We’d love it if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends. Follow our journey on our social media channels: Facebook X Instagram Pinterest YouTube
Start dreaming about your next adventure with Tripadvisor. Book your next unforgettable experience here with flexible bookings and free cancellations.
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Sandy & Vyjay are a husband and wife duo who are travel content creators. They are co-founders of this travel website and are one of the leading travel content creators in India.
Sandy & Vyjay quit their successful corporate careers to pursue their passion for travel and writing full-time. Their dedication has earned them the “Best Travel Writer” award and numerous accolades on both national and international stages. Focusing on India’s destinations, heritage, and culture, they are passionate advocates for nature and the environment. Through their content, they promote ecotourism and sustainable travel, inspiring others to explore and preserve the beauty of India.
The churches of Goa are absolutely intriguing.
These Churches hold a charm that can attract anyone irrespective of their religion.