Churches of Goa – A Haunting Experience

Churches of Goa - Inside Se Cathedral
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.
Churches of Goa

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 colors 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, that even today awe visitors with their grandeur and mystical aura.

Churches of Goa

The Magnificent Churches of Goa

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

Churches of Goa - 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.

Churches of Goa - Altar of Basilica of Bom Jesus

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.

Churches of Goa - Mausoleum of St. Francis Xavier

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

Churches of Goa - Se Cathedral Goa

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.

Churches of Goa - Se Cathedral interior

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

Churches of Goa - Church of Our lady of Immaculate Conception

Another white marvel that enthralls 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 is its distinctive feature. The beautiful church also offers nice views of Panaji as it is 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

Churches of Goa - Ruins of 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.

Plan your trip to Goa 

After reading the Churches of Goa travel blog, are you planning a trip to Goa or a want to go on a holiday in Goa? You can book Book cheap flights to Goa through either Cleartrip or Goibibo or Makemytrip or Cheapticket or Expedia to save huge on flight booking and book your hotels or resorts right here. You can book Goa hotels or Goa luxury resorts through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Booking.com and save.

When you’re in Goa, you need not have to worry about accommodation or booking. You can check out our detailed recommendations on Goa Hotels And Goa Resorts.

Also, you can book online some popular activities in Goa. A lot of activities can be planned in Goa around food, culture, adventure, history, etc. Book online tours in Goa and experience Goa at your ease!

Which is your favorite Church in Goa? Do tell us about it through our comments section.

Recommended read – Posts on Goa:

Dudhsagar Falls – A Lesser Known Gem of Goa

Goa Hotel Booking Guide – Goa Hotels And Goa Resorts

Top 5 Adventure Activities to Experience in Goa

Things to do in Goa during Christmas and New Year

Mollem National Park – Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, Goa

Review of Beach Bay Cottages Bogmalo, Goa

Experience a Different Goa at Bogmalo Beach

Music Festivals That You Must Experience in Goa

A Home Away From Home in Goa at OYO Home

Goa International Travel Mart

 

We were hosted by Goa Tourism. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

PinitChurches of Goa - A Haunting Experience

Churches of Goa


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