The churches in Goa largely reflect
European architectural styles. Majority of the churches in Goa were
built during the Portuguese regime. But even today, these churches
stand tall with
 plenty of historical importance. They have always
been architecture of immense interest for visitors whether Indian or
foreigners.Some Famous Churches
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier :
This famous church in Old Goa is decicated to St. Francis Xavier.
The ancient building was built in early 16th century. But due to
heavy destructions on the old structure, a new building with even
better architecture was built in 1884.
Church Of the Carmelites : Located in Old Goa, the church now stands in ruins. It was built in
1621. The Carmelites, on their refusing to take the Oath of
Allegiance to the king, were expelled from Goa in 1707. The church
fell into disuse and ruins soon after.
Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi, Old Goa : Church of St.Francis of Assisi situated in Old Goa is a 17th century
pieces of religious art. A beautiful octagonal tabernacle richly
decorated in an ornate style has two statues, one of St. Francis of
Assisi and the other of Jesus on the Cross. Vows of poverty,
humility and obedience of St. Francis of Assisi's are inscripted
right below these two statues.
Chapel Of St. Catherine, Old Goa : Chapel Of St.Catherine situated in Old Goa is dedicated to St.
Catherine. It stands as a living monument of the conquest of Goa by
Alburquerque. At one enters the chapel you will see a statue of Our
Lady. There is also a beautiful altar dedicated to St. Catherine
upon which stands another statue of Our Lady Of Peity.
Basilica Of BomJesus, Old Goa : Basilica Of BomJesus, is situated in Old Goa. Bom Jesus means Infant
Jesus or Good Jesus. Inside the Basilica, you will see a beautiful
display of architectural pieces in wood, stone, gold and granite.
Immediately to the right is the altar of St. Anthony and to the left
is a wooden statue of St. Francis Xavier.
Se-Cathedral Church - Goa : The Portuguese Viceroy Redondo commissioned the Se, or St.
Catherine's' Cathedral, southwest of St. Cajetan's, to be "a
grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame. It took 80
years to build and was not consecrated until 1640.
The Royal Chapel Of St Anthony : Built in the beginning of the 17th century, the Royal Chapel
dedicated to St. Anthony is located to the west of the tower of St.
Augustine. St. Anthony is the national saint of Portugal and held in
great veneration by the Portuguese.
The Convent And The Church Of The Cross Of Miracles : On the southern outskirts of Old Goa is a hill on which lies this
convent and church. Built of laterite, plastered with lime mortar,
the plain looking church and the single storeyed convent with
numerous cells are though in ruins are the one of the must visit
spots in Goa. |
