Goa
Churches and convents became a part of the list of world heritage sites
in India in 1986. The groups of monuments include Basilica of Bom Jesus,
Chapel of St Catherine, Church of Lady of Rosary, Church and Convent of
St Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan, Se Cathedral and Church of St.
Augustine. The cathedrals and churches mentioned above are mostly
situated at Old Goa and belong to 16th to 17th century AD. St. Cajetan
Church was inspired by St. Peter's Church in Rome while Se' Cathedral
belongs to Renaissance church models with a Tuscan exterior, Corinthian
columns and a raised platform with steps leading to the entrance and an
arch above its altar. Classical ornamentation of the Basilica of Bom
Jesus boasts of Cornithian, Doric and Ionic pilasters.
St. Xavier chapels are proud of their painted wooden borders with floral
panels. The arches on either side of the main altar in the Church of St.
Francis of Assisi look quite beautiful. The statues and idols in these
churches, chapels and cathedrals mostly represent Mother Mary, Jesus on
Cross and saints are mostly wooden and even masonry. All of them are
delicately carved and painted. These churches are among the first that
were made in India by the Portuguese and the Westerners that came and
later settled in India. Goa is still the place with concentration of the
most Christians in India. These groups` of churches at Old Goa are quite
significant in Indian history as they introduce the advancement of
Christian beliefs in India.
