Uncover the Charming Churches of Goa

Wander through the remains of Goa’s former capital city which is a precious historical link from pre-Portuguese times to the present day Old Goa, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a number of magnificent churches.

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Old Goa was the capital of the Bahmani Sultan Adil Shah empire. The Portuguese arrived here in 1510 under the leadership of Afonso de Albuquerque, and captured the city from Adil Shah, the ruler of the Bijapur Kingdom.  Old Goa is said to have been one of the richest cities in the world during the 16th and 17th century, before epidemics paralysed it. In 1843, Panjim then became the capital of Goa and a hub of culture and heritage.

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The grandeur of the churches are simply delightful and they take you back to the golden times. The architecture, intricacies and colours bring alive history like no other.

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Begin your walk from the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the oldest church in the region, having been consecrated in 1605, and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier.

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Move on to discover Church of St. Francis of Assisi built under the Portuguese Vice royalty of India, head to the seat of the Archbishop of Goa at the Goa Cathedral one of the largest in Asia and many other churches like the Chapel of St Catherine, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount and the ruins of the Tower of St Augustine’s Church.

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While there are a plethora of exquisite churches to uncover in Goa, you can also see other historical sites like Goa Archaeological Museum, Kristu Kala Mandir art gallery that holds an extensive collection of Christian Art, the palace of Yusuf Adil Shah and the list goes on.

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The churches take you through the empirical influence and religious beliefs of Goans. Open the pages of history as you uncover the charming churches and culture of native people that once made Old Goa a bustling metropolis.