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Churches are the most conspicuous presence of Christian religion
and architecture in the Goan landscape. Stark white churches
standing tall against the backdrop of a clear, blue sky and
visible from a distance dot the villages and islands along the
highway that lead to Panaji. This leads to the first false impression
a visitor to Goa gathers that Goa is a predominantly Christian
state. Churches are ubiquitous in the areas of Old conquest.
In Goa, Christians are mostly Roman Catholic and Protestants
number a few. As such, almost all major churches are Catholic
churches. In this section, we take you to a tour of the most
magnificent churches of Goa, which attract tourists from all
over the world for their splendid architecture and historical
importance.
Roman Catholic Churches
BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
Built in 16th century at Old Goa, the former capital of the
Portuguese at a distance of 10 kms. east of Panaji, it is
the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. This church
is connected on the southern end with the Professed House
built by Jesuits in 1585 but was partially damaged in fire
in 1663 and was rebuilt in 1783. The church is called 'Bom
Jesus' meaning 'Good Jesus' or 'Infant Jesus' to whom it is
dedicated. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept
in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church dedicated
to Infant Jesus is now a World Heritage Monument. Timings:
Sunday: 1000 to 1830 hours; Weekdays: 0900 to 1830 hours.
Masses: Sunday: 0800 hours and 0915 hours; Weekdays: 0700
and 0800 hours.
CHAPEL OF ST. CATHERINE
Located near the eastern side of the Archaeological Museum
at Old Goa, this chapel was constructed c.1512 as an act of
thanks by Albuquerque for his victory over the Bijapur forces
in 1510 and his entry into the city on St. Catherine's Day.
CHAPEL OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
It lies just south-east of the central square at Old Goa and
north of the main road to Ponda. Within the enclosure of the
College of St. Paul, this chapel of the Doric order was in
existence 1545. However, with the abandonment of the area
on the outbreak of epidemic in 1570, the chapel fell into
ruins and the present chapel was built in 1884.
CHURCH OF MAE DE DEUS
The Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao, in Bardez Taluka and
13 kms from Panaji was built in 1873. It is situated amidst
picturesque surroundings. The shrine of the miraculous statue
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. The Church is well illuminated
at night.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
Situated at Colva on the way to Colva beach, this magnificent
church was built in 1630 and erected into parochial church
by Bishop Governor by despatch of 28.06.1635. Child Jesus
or Infant Jesus (Menino Jesus) is venerated in this church
with special devotion.
CHURCH OF ST. ALEX
9 kms. from Margao at Curtorim, it is one of the oldest churches
in Goa, built in 1597.
CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW
This famous church of Goa Velha was originally built in 1583
but was abandoned for fear of its collapse. The present church,
named after the Patron St. Andrew, the Apostle, was built
in 1868 in a different place at the same village. The most
remarkable feature of this church is the Procession of All
Saints, the only such procession besides Rome, when 31 statues
of the saints are taken in a procession on the 5th Monday
of Lent around the whole village covering some 2-km distance.
In the beginning, the number of statues was 65. The statues
were taken from the Monastery of the Capuchos at Pilar in
1835 after the extinction of this religious order.
CHURCH OF ST. CAJETAN
Built in the style of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in c.1655
AD near the Viceroy's Arch at Old Goa, it is well maintained
and a splendid example of Christian architecture. It was built
by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines who were sent
by the Pope Urban III. Now known as the Church of the Divine
Providence. A pastoral college for newly ordained priests
is adjacent to it.
CONVENT AND NUNNERY OF SANTA MONICA
Opposite to Church and Convent of St. John of God, on the
right fork of the road, lies the Convent of Santa Monica.
The construction started in 1606 was completed in 1627, but
destroyed in a fire in 1636 and re-built in 1637. Also referred
to as Royal Monastery, the church in the monastery is dedicated
to St. Mary. The building now houses the Mater dei Institute
for nuns, which was inaugurated in 1964.Built like a fortress,
it is significant for its massive walls and buttresses. It
is the only nunnery in Goa.
OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
It is one of the oldest buildings in Panaji. Founded before
1541 and rebuilt in 1619, it is the focal point of the city's
religious feasts.
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
Built in 1544-49 at Old Goa in Manueline style, it is the
oldest remaining church in Goa. This was built in fulfilment
of a vow taken by Afonso de Albuquerque during fight with
the Bijapur forces. It bears an inscription about the conquest
of Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510.
SE CATHEDRAL
It is the most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted
interior overwhelms the visitors by sheer grandeur. Architecturally,
Portuguese-Gothic in style, the exterior of the building is
Tuscan and the interior Corinthian. This Cathedral has five
bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, the sound of
which is immortalised in a Portuguese poem, the biggest in
Goa and one of the best in the world. The church is dedicated
to St. Catherine. The construction of this church began in
1562, the main body was completed in 1619 and the altars in
1652. The Portuguese Government built it for the Dominicans.
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