Travel to old Goa

Distance : 9km from Panaji

¤ Old Goa- The Erstwhile capital of the Portuguese

Old Goa, the erstwhile capital of the Portuguese, that rivalled Lisbon in the 16^th century, is now but a dilapidated old village. But this old town is definitely a must see. The town is almost an archeological museum with its spectacular cathedrals (including Sé Cathedral which is said to be the biggest church in Asia) and various other monuments. Some buildings are rather dilapidated while others are being maintained by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India).

¤ Renaissance Architecture

St Catherine’s Cathedral or Sé Cathedral,Sé Cathedral is believed to be the largest church in Asia, it has an 80m long isle, and four chapels on either side of the church. The cathedral was once crowned by two towers, one of which collapsed in 1776. The remaining tower still stands tall and supports a lovely old bell. With a little imagination, it is possible to try and picture the edifice with both the towers intact; that lends a semblance of symmetry to the edifice. Try it. The main altar is beautifully gilded, and showcases paintings on the life of St Catherine of Alexandria. There is an art gallery in the church and the view from the top of the tower is not to be missed.

The Convent and Church of St Francis of Assisi is situated within the compound of the St Catherine’s Cathedral. The church is built in the Portuguese Gothic style of architecture, marked by two octagonal towers. It is a beautiful old structure with a stucco ceiling, some noteworthy woodwork and frescos which are an interesting mix of the European and Indian style. The convent has been converted into an Archeological Museum, which houses some portraits and a fine range of stone sculptures from different periods of Goan history.

The imposing, brown laterite Basilica of Bom Jesus houses the body of St Francis Xavier – the founder of the Jesuits’ Order. The church was built in 1605, and is stark and simple in beauty. The Basilica is highly revered and a large number of pilgrims visit the shrine every year. The façade of the monument is especially remarkable, while the interiors are somewhat plain; with the exception of the beautiful altar and the striking baroque columns. The church also houses an art gallery.

¤ Other Churches In The Region

Some other churches are worth a visit as well. The ‘Holy Hill’ houses the Church of our Lady of the Rosary. Built in 1526, it is one of the oldest churches in Goa, and has some interesting frescos with Hindu and Islamic designs. The triple-storeyed monument of the Convent of St Monica, was believed to be one of the largest convents under the Portuguese Empire. Built in the early 17th century, the convent has a huge courtyard with a garden in the centre. Today the monument is a centre for theological studies. The Church of St Cajetan is yet another beautiful church, built in 1665 by a few Italian friars. It is modelled on St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This grand monument with its two belfries and a dome in the centre, stands close to the pretty ferry wharf.