CHURCHES AND MONUMENTS OF GOA
BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
Basilica of Bom Jesus represents the rich and varied heritage of Goa. This church is one of the most famous churches in Goa. It stands as the best example of baroque architecture. The church of Bom Jesus “Good” or “Infant Jesus” is well distinguished originally for the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. The mortal remains of St. Francis, which was brought to Goa, almost two years after his death, still remains at the Basilica Of Bom Jesus, in a silver casket containing an airtight glass coffin. The church is frequented by a large number of tourists.
SE CATHEDRAL
Se Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Goa. The construction reflects the Portuguese – Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. Initially there were two towers one of which collapsed in 1776. The other one boasts of having the “Golden Bell”, which is the largest bell in Goa. The tinling sound of the bell has given it the name “Golden bell”. The main alter is dedicated to St. Catherine and walls are painted with the scenes from her life. Its even said that your trip to Goa is incomplete unless you visit the Se cathedra.
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi has a great historical significance. It was built in 1661 on the place where the Franciscans had built a small chapel, which was then pulled down. The church is perhaps one of the most significant buildings in Old Goa. It contains gilded and carved woodwork, and old murals depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. The convent that is adjacent to the Church has been converted into an Archaeological museum. This museum has a rich collection of Portraits of Portuguese Viceroys and fragments of sculptures from Hindu sites. Be there to see history speak of its glorious past.
REIS MAGOS CHURCH
The Reis Magos church at Verem, was constructed in 1555. It is one of the earliest churches built in Goa and the first in Bardez taluka. This great piece of archaic is dedicated to three magi-Kings (Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar). This church was once the residence of all dignitaries and also a mission centre of the Franciscan order. On your visit here, be sure to also see the majestic fort that stands next to this church.
Basilica of Bom Jesus represents the rich and varied heritage of Goa. This church is one of the most famous churches in Goa. It stands as the best example of baroque architecture. The church of Bom Jesus “Good” or “Infant Jesus” is well distinguished originally for the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. The mortal remains of St. Francis, which was brought to Goa, almost two years after his death, still remains at the Basilica Of Bom Jesus, in a silver casket containing an airtight glass coffin. The church is frequented by a large number of tourists.
SE CATHEDRAL
Se Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Goa. The construction reflects the Portuguese – Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. Initially there were two towers one of which collapsed in 1776. The other one boasts of having the “Golden Bell”, which is the largest bell in Goa. The tinling sound of the bell has given it the name “Golden bell”. The main alter is dedicated to St. Catherine and walls are painted with the scenes from her life. Its even said that your trip to Goa is incomplete unless you visit the Se cathedra.
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi has a great historical significance. It was built in 1661 on the place where the Franciscans had built a small chapel, which was then pulled down. The church is perhaps one of the most significant buildings in Old Goa. It contains gilded and carved woodwork, and old murals depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. The convent that is adjacent to the Church has been converted into an Archaeological museum. This museum has a rich collection of Portraits of Portuguese Viceroys and fragments of sculptures from Hindu sites. Be there to see history speak of its glorious past.
REIS MAGOS CHURCH
The Reis Magos church at Verem, was constructed in 1555. It is one of the earliest churches built in Goa and the first in Bardez taluka. This great piece of archaic is dedicated to three magi-Kings (Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar). This church was once the residence of all dignitaries and also a mission centre of the Franciscan order. On your visit here, be sure to also see the majestic fort that stands next to this church.
NUNNERY OF SAINT MONICA
Once known as the Royal monastery, this three-storied baroque architecture was built in 1627 only to be burnt down nine years later. After being reconstructed it has withstood the test of time. At present Mater Dei Institute as a nunnery, is using the building. Visitors are allowed here only if in a formal dress code. The western sidewalls have few fading murals. This magnificence from the past is a must-see place.
THE CHURCH OF MAE DE DEUS
Built in 1873, the famous Church of Mae De Deus at Saligao, is situated amidst picturesque surroundings. The shine of the miraculous state 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 of architecture.
ST. JEROME’S CHURCH
The church was built in 1594 on the remains of the chief pagoda of the place, whose idol was removed to Dargalim. It has 3 altars. The main one is dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles, whose statue with the child Jesus is clothed in golden cloth and placed prominently above the main altar. The ceiling of this St. Jerome’s church is intricately patterned with strips of wood. Both Hindu and Christians hold Our Lady of Miracles in great veneration. A trip to St. Jerome’s Church at Mapusa is simply breathtaking.
FORTS
FORT AGUADA
The Fortress of Aguada, erected in 1612, encircles the entire peninsula at the south-western extremity of the Bardez taluka in North Goa.
The walls of the fort skirt the seashore and ascend the summit of the bare and rocky headland called the Aguada Point, 260 feet above the level of the sea. Situated 10 kms north of Panaji, the Aguada fort has the first lighthouse of Asia. It was built in 1612 to protect Old Goa by controlling the entry of intruders into the River Mandovi. The fort was equipped with an ammunition room, barracks and a church. Once it was a place of Portuguese strength and power. Today, a part of this majestic fort serves as the Central Jail of Goa. The other part of the fort Aguada is open for tourist all-around the year.
Once known as the Royal monastery, this three-storied baroque architecture was built in 1627 only to be burnt down nine years later. After being reconstructed it has withstood the test of time. At present Mater Dei Institute as a nunnery, is using the building. Visitors are allowed here only if in a formal dress code. The western sidewalls have few fading murals. This magnificence from the past is a must-see place.
THE CHURCH OF MAE DE DEUS
Built in 1873, the famous Church of Mae De Deus at Saligao, is situated amidst picturesque surroundings. The shine of the miraculous state 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 of architecture.
ST. JEROME’S CHURCH
The church was built in 1594 on the remains of the chief pagoda of the place, whose idol was removed to Dargalim. It has 3 altars. The main one is dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles, whose statue with the child Jesus is clothed in golden cloth and placed prominently above the main altar. The ceiling of this St. Jerome’s church is intricately patterned with strips of wood. Both Hindu and Christians hold Our Lady of Miracles in great veneration. A trip to St. Jerome’s Church at Mapusa is simply breathtaking.
FORTS
FORT AGUADA
The Fortress of Aguada, erected in 1612, encircles the entire peninsula at the south-western extremity of the Bardez taluka in North Goa.
The walls of the fort skirt the seashore and ascend the summit of the bare and rocky headland called the Aguada Point, 260 feet above the level of the sea. Situated 10 kms north of Panaji, the Aguada fort has the first lighthouse of Asia. It was built in 1612 to protect Old Goa by controlling the entry of intruders into the River Mandovi. The fort was equipped with an ammunition room, barracks and a church. Once it was a place of Portuguese strength and power. Today, a part of this majestic fort serves as the Central Jail of Goa. The other part of the fort Aguada is open for tourist all-around the year.
ST. AUGUSTINE’S TOWER
Built in 1602, the only ruin of the Church of St. Augustine on the Holy Hill at Old Goa near the Nunnery is a lofty 46 meter high tower defying the torrential rains. This is the only existing tower of the four of St. Augustine Church that once stood here. There were eight richly embellished chapels and four altars and a convent with numerous cells and artistic columns attached to the church.
CABO DE RAMA
Situated on the southern coast of Goa, this fort has been under the regime of various rulers until the Portuguese took it over from the Raja of Sonda in 1763. After taking charge of the fort, the Portuguese rebuilt it but did not put it to much use thereafter. It came under the British rule from 1797 to 1802 and then again from 1803 to 1813. The remains of the fort were then used as a prison until 1955. Though the church within the fort is still in use, there is little of the fort that remains to be seen today. However, the view from headland is breathtaking. Legend has it that the fort has derived its name from Lord Rama who remained here for a while when he was in exile along with his wife Sita.
Built in 1602, the only ruin of the Church of St. Augustine on the Holy Hill at Old Goa near the Nunnery is a lofty 46 meter high tower defying the torrential rains. This is the only existing tower of the four of St. Augustine Church that once stood here. There were eight richly embellished chapels and four altars and a convent with numerous cells and artistic columns attached to the church.
CABO DE RAMA
Situated on the southern coast of Goa, this fort has been under the regime of various rulers until the Portuguese took it over from the Raja of Sonda in 1763. After taking charge of the fort, the Portuguese rebuilt it but did not put it to much use thereafter. It came under the British rule from 1797 to 1802 and then again from 1803 to 1813. The remains of the fort were then used as a prison until 1955. Though the church within the fort is still in use, there is little of the fort that remains to be seen today. However, the view from headland is breathtaking. Legend has it that the fort has derived its name from Lord Rama who remained here for a while when he was in exile along with his wife Sita.
CHAPORA FORT
The Portuguese had secured their rule in Goa but the threat from the Muslim and Maratha rulers persisted. To protect themselves from this risk, the Portuguese built the Chapora fort in 1617. They had a number of conflicts with the Maratha and finally in 1717, the Maratha withdrew their force. The Portuguese then took over again and rebuilt the fort. The new structure of the fort was equipped with underground tunnels that ensured a safe gateway in case of emergency.
Today one can see the heads of the escape tunnels built by the Portuguese. Be their to witness history linger on.
TEREKHOL FORT
Situated on the Terekhol River, this fort, built in the 17th century, lies on the northern trip of Goa. It was then rebuilt in 1764.
Today, the remains of the fort have been converted into a hotel – the Terekhol Fort Heritage. However, the St. Anthony’s church inside the fort still remains. The fort is worth giving at least one visit.
The Portuguese had secured their rule in Goa but the threat from the Muslim and Maratha rulers persisted. To protect themselves from this risk, the Portuguese built the Chapora fort in 1617. They had a number of conflicts with the Maratha and finally in 1717, the Maratha withdrew their force. The Portuguese then took over again and rebuilt the fort. The new structure of the fort was equipped with underground tunnels that ensured a safe gateway in case of emergency.
Today one can see the heads of the escape tunnels built by the Portuguese. Be their to witness history linger on.
TEREKHOL FORT
Situated on the Terekhol River, this fort, built in the 17th century, lies on the northern trip of Goa. It was then rebuilt in 1764.
Today, the remains of the fort have been converted into a hotel – the Terekhol Fort Heritage. However, the St. Anthony’s church inside the fort still remains. The fort is worth giving at least one visit.
posted by Goan Hospitality at 9:30 AM
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