Old goa how to get there. Open left menu old goa. Se Cathedral

St. Catherine's Cathedral is the most revered among the Catholic cathedrals in Asia. It is famous for its five bells. One of the bells is golden and is the largest in Goa.

The cathedral, built in the Portuguese Gothic style, took almost 75 years to build by Portuguese and Italian architects and was finally completed in 1631. Its height is 37 meters and its length is as much as 76 meters, making it the largest cathedral in all of Asia.

In the chapel of the cathedral there is a miraculous cross that heals all diseases. It is in a case in which a hole is made so that believers can touch it.

Sri Mangesh Temple

Shri Mangesh Temple, dedicated to Shiva, combines a variety of architectural styles. The temple is also considered cultural center musicians – various music festivals are constantly held here.

The temple was built in the 16th century. Its main deity is God Mangesh - a manifestation of God Shiva. Several architectural styles are indicated by the tower over the sanctuary, roof design and façade influenced by Christianity, while the dome of the temple is influenced by Muslim culture.

When entering the temple, you need to purchase a bright orange wreath at the entrance - an offering to the deity of the temple. You cannot smell it or put it on yourself, because the offering must be “pure”. Inside the temple there are many figurines and flowers with an intoxicating aroma. The floor is paved with marble, the silver altar door is richly decorated with floral patterns. The altar contains a Shiva Linga, a golden serpent Shesha and an image of Shiva.

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Se Cathedral

Se Cathedral is the oldest place of worship in Goa, India, and the largest church in all of Asia. Today, the Se Cathedral belongs to the Catholic Church of the Latin Rite; it is included as an architectural monument in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage Sites.

For tourists, Se Cathedral is interesting for its elaborate architecture and giant bell; it is the most revered European religious building in India. Se Cathedral is located in the main square of Old Goa. Construction of Se Cathedral began in 1562 on the site of the small clay church of St. Catherine. The completion of construction and the solemn consecration of the cathedral took place in 1640.

The cathedral building was built in the Portuguese colonial Gothic style. Initially, the cathedral had two towers, one of which was never restored after being destroyed in the 18th century. This gives the temple a unique silhouette. The height of the cathedral facade is 35 meters, length – 76 meters, and width – 55 meters. The main attraction of Se Cathedral is the “Golden Bell” - the largest in Goa and one of the largest in the world.

One of the most secluded places in Old Goa is the port of Dona Paula, named after the daughter of the Viceroy of colonial India, who threw herself off a cliff because of unhappy love. Now at this place there is a sculpture depicting lovers who were never destined to be together. These days, the port is very popular among tourists; dozens of small cruise yachts from different parts of India arrive here every day. This place attracts with its lush vegetation and crystal clear waters. There is a cozy sandy beach here, which has everything for a comfortable stay. At the top of the cliff, near the monument to lovers, there is a beautiful square equipped with benches and fountains. At night, the port of Dona Paula turns into an amazing romantic corner; many loving couples come here to relax in the park and listen to live music.

In addition to tourist yachts, small merchant ships calling at the port of Dona Paula bring fruit, fish, clothing and many different trinkets. Therefore, temporary open-air markets are formed here. Tourists love to visit them, as here you can buy quite interesting things at a reasonable price.

Church of St. Francis Xavier

The Church of St. Francis Xavier is a stone building that clearly shows European design. With all this, the locals remained true to their traditions - instead of the usual benches, which, as a rule, stand in Catholic churches, national mats are used for sitting.

The unique frescoes that decorate the church are especially striking. These beautiful paintings were commissioned by the missionary Franz Matthias Wosner, who was at one time the chaplain of the famous Austrian Trapp family. The frescoes were painted at his request by the famous Mexican artist Jean Charlot. He was helped by his wife and son Martin. The paintings appeared in the church approximately between October 1962 and January 1963.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

One of the most visited tourist sites in Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus truly deserves to have the status of a site World Heritage UNESCO. The basilica is famous for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a Portuguese missionary.

"Bom Jesus" is the term most often used in reference to the Baby Jesus. It can be literally translated as “good, holy Jesus.” The church was consecrated and opened in 1605. The architecture of the building is an excellent example of the Baroque style.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the richest churches in Goa. The interior of the church is beautiful and elegant. The white marble floor is inlaid with semi-precious stones. The altar of the basilica is decorated with elaborate carvings and gilding, and the walls are decorated with paintings depicting scenes from the life of Francis Xavier. The body of the saint is kept here, in the basilica, in a silver coffin. Once every 10 years, on the day of his death, the coffin is opened for public viewing. Last time such an event occurred in 2004. It is believed that the relics of the saint have exceptional healing powers.

Church of Saint Cajetan

The building of the church and monastery of St. Cajetan was built by Italian monks from the Theatine order in 1661, modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Externally, this is the most majestic Christian temple in Goa. It was originally called the Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence. That is why its central altar is dedicated to the Mother of God. The majestic facade of the church is decorated on both sides with bell towers.

Attached to one of the interior columns is a wooden pulpit located on a square platform. Below this platform is a well. It is believed that the temple was built on the site of an ancient Hindu sanctuary, of which the spring was part.

Historical center of Old Goa

The historical center of the city is a complete architectural ensemble, and in this sense can be considered as a monument to the colonial era of Goa. The Catholic cathedrals of Old Goa, perfectly preserved and having avoided any kind of reconstruction, are rightfully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Most of the stone structures of Old Goa were created by Portuguese and Italian artists. From the Triumphal Arch of the Viceroys, the upper part of the facade of which is decorated with the figure of Vasco de Gama, the road will lead us to the current Church of St. Cajetan, which was built as a copy of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Moving further, we will see St. Catherine's Cathedral - a majestic temple, famous for that that the Golden Bell sounds in its bell tower, so named for the purity and richness of its sound. To the left behind the Cathedral are the church and monastery of St. Francis of Assisi. The facade of the monastery is interesting because it is made in an elegant, truly Portuguese, Manueline style. Part of the monastery is occupied by the Archaeological Museum. Not far from the Cathedral are the ruins of the Palace of the Inquisition.

The most popular attractions of Old Goa with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Old Goa on our website.

Portuguese Viceroys of Goa, located 9 km. from the capital of Goa, Panaji (Panjim).
Old Goa has preserved the rich architectural heritage of the faithful Portuguese Catholics; some buildings are unique and are true masterpieces of the late Middle Ages.

Thanks to its location, old Goa is a convenient place for day trips, for tourists tired of the sun and sea;)

Se Cathedral
This is the largest church in Goa, India and probably all of Asia. The original structure was built of clay, stones and straw in 1510 and dedicated to St. Katerina, because exactly on St. Catherine, November 25, Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. The building was modified several times; the second church was built in 1515.
In 1538 the status of the church was upgraded to a cathedral. Construction of the cathedral in its current form lasted about three quarters of a century, starting in 1562. The construction was initiated by the Viceroy Don Francisco Coutinho, Count of Redondo. The work was completed in 1652. Don Francisco wanted it to be a grandiose church, symbolizing the wealth, power and glory of Portugal, mistress of the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific. for construction were obtained from the sale of property of Hindus and Muslims who had no heirs. The final stage of construction took place under the supervision of the famous architects António Argueiros and Júlio Simao, who was the chief engineer of the Portuguese Indies. The walls of the cathedral were completed in 1619, and the altar was consecrated at the same time.

Church and monastery of St. Francis of Assisi
The monastery of St. is adjacent to the western part of the Se Cathedral. Francis of Assisi with the church. Archbishop's, a two-story building, 70x30 m, connects the Se Cathedral with the monastery. The archbishop occupied this building until 1695, when, due to an epidemic, he moved to Panelim.
The church and monastery were built by Franciscan brothers, eight of whom arrived in Old Goa in 1517. The church and monastery began with a chapel built by order of the governor. Gradually the chapel became a church (by 1521), which was dedicated to the Holy Spirit on August 2, 1602. The monastery at first consisted of several cells that the brothers built for themselves in the garden. In 1529 it underwent reconstruction. At that time, about 40 monks lived there. In 1835 the monastery was closed by the Portuguese government, 27 of its brothers were expelled and its property was confiscated. Since 1964, the Museum of the Archaeological Society of India has been located here. It houses a rich collection of artifacts, paintings, etc.
The church at the monastery was destroyed in 1661 and rebuilt again from black stone. There is a courtyard next to it, where there is a large old cross made of the same black stone. The exterior is decorated in Tuscan style, and the interior is in mosaic-Corinthian style. The dimensions of the church are about 60x17 m. The large organ, which was located behind the altar, has now been transported to the church in. The interior is painted with scenes from the Bible, the walls are covered with floral designs. In a niche on the facade there is a statue of St. Mikhail. Wooden statue of St. Francis of Assisi adorns the foot of one of the chapels. Of the eight altars and six chapels that were once in the church, only three have survived to this day. On the main altar there is a beautifully decorated niche with a shrine, supported by four evangelists. Above the shrine is a large statue of St. Francis of Assisi and the same statue of Jesus on the cross (about 2 m high). Now the church is not functioning.

Chapel of St. Katerina
Opposite the Church of St. Francis of Assisi there is a narrow path that leads west to the chapel of St. Katerina. It has historical significance. In the beginning there was a chapel built here immediately after Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa on November 25, 1510, St. Katerina. On the eve of the feast of St. Catherine's, an annual ceremony was held here, in which the Viceroy participated. In 1534, Pope Paul III proclaimed the chapel a cathedral. The building had this status before the construction of the Se Cathedral. Nearby is the Royal Hospital, founded by the same Alfonso de Albuquerque in 1511. It was reconstructed in 1952.

Jesuit House
Built by the Jesuits of Goa in 1594 in the city center, on Terreiro dos Gallos Square. It was an outstanding building of its time. The modern building is part of the original structure, which has been partially destroyed by fire and time. After the expulsion of the Jesuits from Goa on September 26, 1759, the building was taken over by the Archbishop of Goa and named the House of the Merciful Jesus. In one of the halls on the third floor, the relics of St. were kept for 13 years. Francis Xavier. On April 3, Goa Patriarch Don José Alvares appointed Father Estanislau Martins as administrator and rector of the Church of the Merciful Jesus. Father Eshtanislau began to live in this building, and the Jesuits returned there.
Currently, the building is the center of the Light of the World movement, and its followers, including not only Christians, gather here.

Basilica of the Merciful Jesus
The most famous church Old Goa. Contains the remains of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, "apostle of the Indies". Construction of the structure began on November 24, 1594, with donations from Don Jeronimos Mascarenhas. The basilica was consecrated by Archbishop Don Alesio de Menezes on May 15, 1605. In 1946, it became the first church in India to receive basilica status.

Mausoleum of St. Xavier
To the south of the church is the beautifully decorated tomb of St. Francis Xavier with chapel. Following the canonization of St. Francis Xavier, the Jesuits decided to move it from the College of St. Paul to the Basilica. The transfer ceremony took place with pathos in 1624. At one of the three entrances to the chapel hangs beautiful picture measuring 2x1.5 m, which is believed to carry the blessing of the saint. Inside the chapel is decorated with 27 paintings telling about the life and deeds of the saint.

Church and monastery of St. Monica
Church and monastery of St. Monica is located next to the chapel of St. Antonia. The monastery was opened on July 2, 1606 by Archbishop Dom Alesio de Menezes, who was then governor of Portuguese India. Work on it was completed in 1627. The monastery documents were compiled by the archbishop according to the behests of St. Augustine and approved by Pope Paul V. The King of Portugal, by his decree, took the monastery under his patronage on March 26, 1636, and it became known as the Royal Monastery of St. Monica. It was the first Christian monastery in the East.
The monastery is large enough to accommodate hundreds of nuns who came from different countries of the East and West.
The church is located south of the monastery. Its exterior design is a combination of Tuscan, Corinthian and mixed styles. The interior decoration is done in a Doric spirit. The size of the building is 55x10 m. The facade of the building is decorated with a sculpture of St. Monica and the symbol of the Holy Spirit. The main altar also contains an image of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine, to whom the monastery and church are dedicated.
The monastery ceased to exist after the death of the last sister in 1885. In 1968, it again received the status of a religious institution. Now there is a Theological Center for monks here.

Monastery and Church of St. Cayetana
Opposite the Se Cathedral across the road is the large church and monastery of St. Cayetana. It was built by the Italian brothers Theatines in 1640. These brothers were missionaries who were sent by Pope Urban VIII to preach Christianity in Golconda. They did not receive permission to enter Golconda and settled in Goa. The church is dedicated to the Madonna of the Providence of God, but in everyday life it is called the Church of St. Cajetan, founder of the Theantines. Now the monastery functions as a theological college, opened in 1962. Currently, the monastery has been restored and completed.

Chapel of St. Antonia
Located opposite the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine. Dedicated to the patron saint of the Portuguese and the navy. It is one of the oldest in Goa, built by Alfonso de Albuquerque. Abandoned in 1835 and rebuilt in 1961 by the Governor of Goa, Vassallo de Silva.

Church of the Mountain Madonna
It was built on a hill in 1557 on the site where Adil Shah fortified with his artillery. The Portuguese Archaeological Committee erected a marble tablet here with the following content: “Here the Muslim artillery opposed Alfonso de Albuquerque in the Battle of Goa in May 1510.” In the central niche above the altar there is a statue of the Madonna of the Mountain with the Child Jesus. Above it is a painting of the coronation of a virgin, and below it is an image of the Assumption Madonna. decorated with many paintings telling about the life of the Mother of God.

Chapel of St. Xavier
On the site of the current college of St. Paul there is a small traditional chapel of St. Francis Xavier. Some say that it was built by the saint himself. Here he spent hours in meditation. Others believe that it was built after his death.

Ruins of the monastery and church of St. Augustine
The monastery, now completely destroyed, was built by 12 Augustinian brothers in 1572 immediately after their arrival in Goa on September 3. The church, also destroyed, was built in 1602. It was valuable and intact until 1835, when the Portuguese government banned religious orders. In 1842 the vault collapsed, in 1931 the façade collapsed. Before today Only the bell tower without the bell has survived. The bell was transported to Panaji in 1871, to the Church of the Madonna of the Immaculate Conception.

Church of St. Petra
Located on the road from Panaji to Old Goa. Very old, built in 1542 or 1543 by Portuguese architects. Now it has been greatly damaged by time. On one of the altars you can see the image of St. Petra. Almost erased inscriptions can be seen on the floor. Behind the main altar is a wooden frame decorated with sea shells.

The Indian state of Goa is the Asian “Ibiza”, a place of relaxed relaxation, night parties, freedom and a sense of continuous celebration. Some foreigners are so inspired by this atmosphere that they move to Goa permanently. They can be seen along the coastline of Arambol and Palolem beaches, meditating on the sunset and doing blissful “doing nothing.”

But relaxation shouldn't be limited to just the beach and parties. The state has many striking colonial-era attractions and charming towns with Portuguese-style architecture. Old Goa is included in the UNESCO list and is a must visit. Goa also has several picturesque nature reserves. A walk through traditional markets, where interesting souvenirs and crafts from local craftsmen are sold, can diversify your vacation.

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What to see and where to go in Goa?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Panaji is the capital of the resort state of Goa. At first it was a small village, but after the residence of the Portuguese governor was moved here in the 18th century, the city began to actively develop. On the territory of Panaji there are still preserved monuments of colonial architecture of past centuries, which today are of historical interest. The population of the city, together with its suburbs, barely reaches 100 thousand people.

The old city quarter, where the houses of the descendants of the Portuguese colonialists are located. The main development of the area took place about 170 years ago after Panaji was declared the capital of Goa. The historical facades of Fontaines houses are painted in bright colors, which gives the area an interesting flavor. The houses are built in a mixture of Portuguese and traditional Indian architecture.

Anjuna is a small town on the coast of Goa, famous for its flea market. The bazaar appeared in the 60s. XX century at the height of the hippie era. It all started with representatives of this subculture gathering on one of the local beaches for round-the-clock singing and dancing. Sometimes they had to sell some of their things in order to get money for their further carefree existence. This is how the famous market in Anjuna appeared.

The market is located between the villages of Anjuna and Arpora. It is not just trade tents where you can buy interesting things and bright souvenirs. This is a whole authentic fair with a booth where people dance, sing, watch impromptu performances, eat and have fun. There are disco bars along the edges of the market, and a special stage for concerts and performances has been built in the central part.

The museum is adjacent to the Goa airport. By the way, the Dabolim air harbor itself is actively used by the Indian Air Force. The exhibits of the museum are European, Russian and american planes and helicopters of the last century. The collection is not very large, there are barely a dozen and a half copies, but this makes it no less interesting. All aircrafts located on an open-air site.

The state of Goa has very favorable climatic conditions, so spices are grown here in industrial scale for all India and for export to other countries. Spice plantations are a popular tourist attraction, and organized tours are brought here. The fields are located near the town of Ponda, which is approximately 40 km away. from Panaji. Some plantations have developed a developed tourist infrastructure with restaurants, shops and hotels.

A 17th-century Portuguese basilica located in Old Goa. The main architectural style of the building is lush colonial baroque. The marble floor of the church is decorated with semi-precious stones, valuable paintings hang on the walls, in the middle of the temple there is a 3-meter statue of Ignatius Loyola, the Grand Master and founder of the Jesuit Order. The basilica is one of the main architectural attractions of Goa.

The large Catholic Cathedral, which is the largest Christian temple in India. It was erected to commemorate the Portuguese victory in the Battle of Goa in 1510. This event coincided with the day of St. Catherine, so it was decided to lay the foundation of the cathedral and name it in honor of this saint. Construction was completed in 1619. The cathedral was built in architectural style Portuguese Manueline.

The temple was erected in the 17th century; it is part of the complex of St. Catherine's Cathedral in Old Goa. The inside of the church is richly decorated with frescoes and decorated with wood and marble. It should be noted that the walls were painted by local craftsmen. First, they created images about the life of St. Francis, weaving characters from Indian mythology into the plot, which horrified the Portuguese king.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who, according to Hindu beliefs, is the wife of the god Shiva. The building was erected in the 18th century during the reign of Raja Chhatrapati Shahu. The temple complex consists of a main structure and several side buildings. All buildings are painted a pleasant terracotta color. The last large-scale reconstruction of the temple was carried out in 1966.

The church is located in the center of Panaji, it was built in the middle of the 16th century. The building from the beginning of the 17th century has survived to this day, since the original building was destroyed as a result of constant wars for Goa. Architecture and interior decoration churches are distinguished by grace and restraint. A system of stairs with figured railings that are in harmony with the church facade leads to the entrance to the temple.

The monastery complex was erected at the very beginning of the 17th century. The monastery existed until the 19th century, after which it was abandoned due to the decision of the Portuguese government to dissolve religious orders. All the interior decoration and property of the monastery was transferred to other churches, sold or lost. In the middle of the 19th century, the main vault of the church fell, and by the 20th century the complex had finally turned into ruins.

An old Portuguese fortress, built in 1612 to protect the newly conquered lands from the encroachments of the Dutch. The fort consists of two parts. The lower one is located at the edge of the sea and served for defensive purposes. The upper one was engaged in servicing the fort garrison. Nowadays, there is a prison in the lower part; the remaining buildings of the fortress are open for free inspection.

The fort was built in 1550 (according to other sources - in 1490). At the beginning of the 18th century, the fortress managed to withstand the onslaught of the Marathas, who captured all the surrounding lands and were preparing to oust the Portuguese with a strong occupied positions. There was a garrison within the fort, armory, prison and underground storage facilities. During construction, the building was equipped with many secret passages. Today there is a museum on the territory of the fortification.

A natural park covering an area of ​​240 hectares. It is home to several popular attractions, such as the 12th-century Mahadeva Temple and India's largest waterfall, Dudhsagar. The reserve is home to panthers, leopards, bears, porcupines, gaurs, lynxes and other animals. A jeep safari is organized for tourists, during which you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes and watch the animals.

A small jungle reserve that looks more like a garden. Its area is only 8 km². Wild boars, bison, squirrels and bison live here. Some animals calmly walk around the territory, others live in enclosures. The reserve also houses a wide variety of birds. Tourists can take an elephant ride or admire the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple located within the park.

The reserve is located on the territory of mangrove swamps. About 400 species of birds live here, as well as crocodiles and jackals. IN winter period from October to March, the maximum concentration of birds is observed in Salim Ali, as many flocks fly here for the winter. You can observe the habits of birds from a special tower. During the excursion, tourists are transported on special boats.

A powerful waterfall 10 meters high, located in the northern part of Goa. At the foot of the cascading water jets a lake is formed, quite suitable for swimming. Near the waterfall there is an equipped Observation deck, from where you can explore the picturesque surroundings. Not far from the stream is the temple of the god Rudreshwar, where Hindu funeral rituals are performed.

The caves are located near the Arvalem waterfall. It is believed that they arose during the period of the 5th-6th centuries. n. e. The cave walls contain Sanskrit inscriptions dating back to the 13th century. According to one version, they were cut through by ancient fans of the pagan cult. Later, the caves began to be used by adherents of Hinduism, who made inscriptions. Hundreds of monks could live in such cave temples.

The waterfall is the most visited natural attraction in the state of Goa. It is included in the program of almost all organized excursions. "Dudhsagar" translates to "sea of ​​milk". If you look closely, the foamy streams of water from afar really resemble milk. During the monsoon season, Dudhsagar is especially devastating, with its streams crashing into the deep lake at its base.

The beach is located in the southern part of Goa, which is considered calmer than the “party” northern part. The length of the coastline is about 3 km. Agonda has almost no developed tourist infrastructure; there are only residential bungalows and a few hotels. Olive turtles, a specially protected species in India, live and lay eggs on the beach. The place is perfect for a relaxing family holiday.

Palolem is considered best beach southern part of Goa, therefore in high season It's very crowded here. The beach is located in a bay, so it has a convenient gentle slope into the sea. By Indian standards, the place is perfectly clean and there are almost no cows roaming freely, which indicates a good cleaning service. Along the beach there are bungalows, budget guest houses and more expensive hotels.

Arambol is located in the northern part of Goa. Unlike other beaches in this part of the state, there is no such large-scale development here. Coastline stretches for as much as 16 km, it is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and dense jungle. Arambol has a free, “bohemian” atmosphere; there are many colorful personalities here. Once upon a time, the beach was chosen by hippies; since then it has become a “home” for creative and unconventional people.

The casino is located on board a cruise ship on the Mondovi River. It is considered one of the largest in India and is the largest in Goa. There are 50 tables for playing poker, roulette, blackjack and 30 slot machines. The casino can also offer a river cruise and dinner in a good restaurant. You can even come here with children - there is a special entertainment area for them.

A popular night spot on the top of the Arpora hill, where all lovers of electronic music and dancing until the morning try to get there. The club is divided into two zones - a bar and a dance floor with a swimming pool. Famous Western DJs perform here quite often. Parties by the pool are especially popular, since on a stuffy Indian night there is a great desire to freshen up after energetic and tiring dancing.

There will be a very short post about old Goa. In my opinion, I didn’t take any pictures of anything interesting there. We went there just to check in. I was bored and lazy. Where the bus dropped me off, I walked around there and back to Arambol. In general, in Goa we were still those amoebas. We were only ready to not do anything all day long, and in the evening to swim out of our hole into the center of life, which, by the way, I’ll also write about later.

So first, a little history. Old Goa used to be the capital of the Portuguese-conquered state of Goa. It was founded around 1500 and the population was more than that of Lisbon. Over time, due to the Inquisition and epidemics (and two infections reached here), the glory of the former majestic city subsided. The capital was moved to Panaji. By the way, it’s very close, literally half an hour by bus.

In general, the town is really interesting. There are small cute houses, narrow, Portuguese type, streets where two buses cannot pass each other, and where boats sail along the river. Actually nice. But I was staring at all this from the bus window.

When I got off at the right stop, I didn’t see any streets or houses, but only a few sellers of some kind of sweets and churches... and again churches. Right, left, in front, behind on the mountain, etc. Well, it’s beautiful, but no matter how much I like sights, I’d rather see the life of the aborigines. But I had no desire to go anywhere in the terrible heat; the two and a half hour journey with three transfers had already weakened my physical and moral condition. So I stupidly walked to the side where all the tourists were crowding :(

The first on the way is the Basilica of the Child Jesus. It was built in the classical style of the Roman Catholic Church.

On closer inspection it is quite impressive.

To be honest, it was my first time in a Catholic cathedral.

It’s a pity that the mood was so-so then, otherwise I might have checked out the beautiful halls.

A confession booth, exactly the same as I had seen before only in films.

The relics of Saint Francis, thanks to whom Christianity came to Indian soil.

Altars and some other things for worship, which I am not aware of, because I am so far from all these Catholic details.

Some confusing corridors with paintings and furniture. In the paintings, what amused me, all the saints were entirely people with clearly expressed features of the inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula.

My addiction to secret doors and steps manifested itself here too. I tried to go up somewhere, but it turned out, of course, that everything was closed.

The courtyard of the baselica is, of course, touching. It's very cozy, green and soulful.

There is still a way out somewhere, but the guards didn’t let me in. They weren't even allowed to point the camera at the door.

There is a cross a little to the side of the baselica, which is not surprising :)

Just cross the road...

And we see Sé de Santa Catarina. This church is considered the largest in Old Goa. LP claims that it was built in the Portuguese-Gothic style. Perhaps the Portuguese mean something different by gothic, but it doesn’t remind me of it even remotely.

The interior decoration is striking in luxury. I liked it better here.

Besides, it was much cooler; it was such a joy to reach the saving shady hall in the heat.

Of course, the church could not do without an altar.

Directly opposite the entrance there is a statue of Jesus Christ (well, it seemed to me that it was him).

By the way, judging by the name of the cathedral, which I just learned from the LP, the altar is dedicated to some Saint Catherine. There I thought it was the Virgin Mary, because here, in Orthodox Church, other saints are not worshiped like that. Of course, there are Nikolai and Mikhail and others, but still mainly the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. For some reason, among Catholics, everyone who behaved well during their lifetime is considered a saint. I’m not laughing, of course, at the feelings of this religion, but... there’s some kind of catch here, as if, honestly, it’s the same as selling indulgences, saying God has forgiven you all your sins, or burning all women who have periods, supposedly they’re from this witch. Sorry, but it's a perversion.

Right next to (I would say in the same building, but the entrance is on the other side) the Church of Catherine convent Saint Francis. But not that Francis whose relics lie across the road (Xavier is there), but another, of Assisi, originally from Italy. I didn’t go into detail, I don’t care; I already expressed my opinion about the Catholic saints above.

It was not possible to go there; some kind of renovation was going on. On the street we just saw something similar to a cannon.

Apparently the cannon stands in front of the Archaeological Museum, which is also located in the same building.

Literally in the backyard of this building there is a small chapel of St. Catherine.

Inside there are absolutely empty walls and nothing else. There really is some nice terrace.

OK it's all over Now. Nothing special. It's a shame we didn't get to walk around more. We went back onto the road and jumped on the first bus we came across.

Useful information about Old Goa

Well, now I’ll add some useful information to the story for travelers who ever decide to get there.

Old Goa Map

Notice how many cathedrals, churches, basilicas and chapels there are in the area. I advise you to visit more than I visited, they are all completely different and, for sure, no less beautiful.

How to get there by bus

I’ll tell you in more detail how to get there by bus from North Goa. In my case there was a road from Arambol. From Vagator, Chapora, Anjuna, etc. the path will be basically the same.

1. First we go by bus to Mapsa (Mapusa), the capital of North Goa. The fare costs 8-15 rupees depending on the distance to your beach. From Arambol office. the price as of spring 2008 and spring 2009 was 12 rupees.

2. In Mapsa we take a bus to Panajim (Panaji), the capital of Goa. You will find the bus at the same station where you got off. There are barkers shouting there. A ticket to the capital costs 8 rupees.

3. In Panajim, go left to the square where there are buses heading south and ask for Old Goa, they will show you. There is only one bus station, but depending on the direction, the buses are clustered in different places. Remember that you need to go left a little. The fare costs 7 rupees. The drive takes about half an hour. The buses are not crowded except on weekends or holidays. People or the conductor will show you the stop where to get off, just let them know in advance so that they can tell you.

Even today, the grandeur of Old Goa has not diminished and the many breathtaking landmarks and attractive architectural structures can enchant even seasoned history buffs. Most of the buildings and landmarks of Old Goa have been well preserved, leading to the area being awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The best way exploring Old Goa is a walk as the area is actually small. It is located in a fairly convenient location, close to most of the beaches in Goa.

On this page:
1. Location on the map
2. How to get there
3. History
4. Attractions
4.1. Church of Saint Cajetan
4.2. Chapel of Our Lady of the Mountain
4.3. Architecture
4.4. Events
4.5. Vickeroy Arch
4.6. Basilica of Bom Jesus
4.7. Se Cathedral
4.8. Ruins of St. Augustine
4.9. Archaeological Museum

Old Goa on the map

Founded by Portuguese explorer Alfonoso de Albuquerque in 1510, Goa Velha or Old Goa became the capital of a vast empire, sharing the same civic privileges as Lisbon. This amazing place is located on the banks of the Mandovi River, about 9 km from the capital of Goa, Panaji. Note that before the city was founded here, there was already a small settlement on the site of Old Goa.
Old Goa - historical part Goa, which was under Portuguese rule for 450 years. Best time To visit this area - the period from October to May. From December to February it can be especially crowded.
Major attractions in the area include: Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Basilica Mother of God, the monastery of St. Monica, the mausoleum of Francis Xavier, the Cathedral, the archaeological museum, the church and monastery of St. John the Evangelist and other old monuments.

How to get to Old Goa

History of Old Goa

It would be wrong to say that Old Goa today is just a shadow of what it was in the past. Old Goa covered a vast area and had a population of 200,000 people, twice the population of today's capital Panaji. The city was also called the "Rome of the East".
As if cursed since its founding, the city has suffered from outbreaks of deadly diseases such as cholera, malaria, and plague. The economic downturn in trading activity has also led to a reduction in infrastructure.
Old Goa was founded by the Bijapur Sultanate in the 15th century as a port on the banks of the Mandovi River. It was used as a port during the reign of Kadamba and the Vijayanagar Empire. This is also the place where Afonso de Albuquerque entered after its conquest on February 17, 1510. For the first time since Alexander left India in 326 BC, Indian territory was under European control.
On May 30, 1510, the city was recaptured by the Sultanate of Bijapur, forcing Albuquerque to retreat to the sea. Due to the onset of the monsoon, Albuquerque was unable to send his ships sailing, so he had to spend the entire rainy season at anchor outside the city, at a sufficient distance from the enemy's guns.
In August 1510, Albuquerque was finally able to sail home, returning three months later with a stronger fleet. He retook the city, defeating the forces of the Sultanate of Bijapur and their Ottoman allies on November 25, 1510. This was followed by the massacre of the Muslim population.
Since the city was taken on St. Catherine's day, a church was built in her honor. The location of the church is also an important point in the battle and the place from which Afonso de Albuquerque entered the city.
Old Goa soon became the capital of the Portuguese colony (it had previously served as the second capital of the Bijapur Sultanate). As the Portuguese dominated trade in the Arabian Sea, the city prospered. Many beautiful buildings were built in this area, so beautiful that even European visitors were delighted.
In 1543, cholera came to Goa Velho as primitive sewage systems could not cope with the growing population. The problem was caused by waste seeping through the porous soil, contaminating the water supply. Malaria further increased the death toll.
In the mid-17th century, an economic recession began and the city's infrastructure began to crumble. In the 17th century, the city's population, which once exceeded 200,000 inhabitants, was reduced to 20,000. The decline in population and deterioration of infrastructure continued, and in 1684 proposals were made to move the capital. Mormugao was chosen as the site for the founding new capital, and construction even began here, which was later suspended and then completely abandoned. Eventually, the city of Panaji was declared the capital of Portuguese Goa by royal decree in 1843.
After the capital was moved to Panaji, Goa Velha continued to decline and at one point the population was reduced to 2,000 people. Much of the population decline was due to deadly diseases sweeping the city, making it dangerous place for life.
As many buildings were either demolished or abandoned, the deserted area slowly became covered with forest. Today, almost nothing remains of this city's glorious past. But everything that remains today is under the protection of UNESCO.

Sights of Old Goa

Church of Saint Cajetan

This cathedral is located half a kilometer northeast of the Cathedral in Old Goa. Built in 1655, the church was originally called the Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence because the main altar was dedicated to her. Later, the Italian Catholic priest and religious reformer, Cajetan, was recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, and August 7 was declared his day.
Since Saint Cajetan was a co-founder of the Theate Order, a contemporary of Saint Francis Xavier, the church was named after him. One of the altars on the right side of the entrance was dedicated to him.
The church has a large dome with Latin inscriptions from the Gospel of Matthew on inside. The facade of the church is created in the Corinthian style and has four granite statues of Saints Peter, Paul, John the Evangelist and Matthew. The church has seven altars and the main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Providence.
The construction of the church was carried out under the leadership of Italian architects Carlo Ferrarini and Francesco Maria Milazzo. The façade of this beautiful church is said to have been modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Built from laterite stone and plastered with lime, the cathedral has appearance and the interior is in the Corinthian style, and the elaborate carvings on the altars inside are done in the Baroque style. The grandiose facade of the church is complemented by two towers on both sides, which serve as bell towers. There are Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting the pediment, and four niches containing statues of the apostles.
If you enter the church, on the left side you will see three altars dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady of Piety and Saint Clare. On the right are the altars of St. John, St. Cajetan and St. Agnes. The largest altar on the right side of the church is dedicated to Our Lady of Providence. The altars also have paintings on canvas of the Italian school, some of which depict scenes from the life of St. Cajetan. In the niches on the sides of the vault there are wooden statues of saints.
Under the dome, on a raised square platform, there is a well, which is currently covered. The presence of the well has led to the belief that there was once a Hindu temple on the site. The cemetery below the altar was turned into a storage area in 1842 for the bodies of dead Portuguese soldiers before they were sent to Lisbon.
The building in which the Theate Monastery is located near the church is currently the site of the diocesan pastoral center. Within the church grounds are the remains of a doorway that was once the entrance to an Islamic palace belonging to Adil Shah, the ruler of Goa before the Portuguese took control of the area.
The Church of St. Cajetan is a wonderful work of architects and is a must-visit place for one and all.

Chapel of Our Lady of the Mountain

On a hill high above the former capital of Goa during the Portuguese regime, stands a beautiful chapel. It is known as the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mountain or Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte in Portuguese.
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mountain has a very interesting story. It was built by Alfonso de Albuquerque after his victory over the Muslim ruler of Goa, Adil Shah, in 1510. Due to its secluded location, the chapel is often overlooked. It was reconstructed twice and restored in 2001 and is now in its original condition.
Alfonso de Albuquerque first launched an attack on Adil Shah's army to capture Goa in March 1510. His attempts were thwarted. He launched a second attack on November 25, 1510, and it ended in success. Alfonso realized the importance of the high hill and its strategic location. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount was built many years after the conquest of Goa to mark the spot where Adil Shah's army took up its position. The old temple gave way to a church. The Portuguese Archaeological Committee placed an inscription on the marble in 1931: "Here the Mohammedan artillery stood against Alfonso de Albuquerque in May 1510."

Architecture

Built in the Mannerist style and measuring 33 meters long and 14 meters wide, the structure has quite big sizes for the chapel. Its walls are 2.7 meters thick and support a roof made of Mangalore tiles. The chapel consists of three sections. The first floor section has entrances with windows surmounted by triangular pediments at the top.
Many additions have been made to the chapel over the years, the earliest of which is a two-story loggia attached to the north wall. Some extensions were also carried out on the north-east wall and the east façade, which is behind the altar.
The chapel has three altars. The main altar has in the center an image of Our Lady on the Mountain, where the child Jesus is. Above it is the coronation of the Virgin Mary, and below is the image of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Events

The chapel is not usually open to the public for any event. To hold a wedding here, you need special permission from the bishop's palace. Every year the chapel hosts a music festival that aims to integrate Indian and Western forms of classical music. People come here from different countries of the world to take part in the festival and also to witness it. This is truly an amazing feast for the eyes and ears of all music lovers.
In conclusion, this chapel was previously accessible by climbing steps on one side of the hill, but now there is a road leading to it. The police are also vigilant about people visiting the chapel as it is probably not the safest place in Goa at night.

Vickeroy Arch

This arch was built in memory of Vasco da Gama in 1597 by his great son Francisco da Gama after he became viceroy. Under the Portuguese government there was a ceremonial significance. Every governor who was in charge of Goa had to go through the arch.
The Vickeroy Arch was built using red laterite stone. At its entrance there is a statue of Vasco da Gama looking at the Mandovi River. He was the first European to round the Cape Good Hope to get to India.
The inscription inside the arch describes the reasons for its construction. Another decorated slab commemorates Portugal's independence from the Spanish king in 1640. The inscription on it translates: “Legitimate and true king Dom Joao IV, restorer of Portuguese freedom.”
On the back side of the arch there is a statue of a lady. She wears a crown and a long decorated robe. She holds a sword in one hand and an open book in the other and looks forward. Under her feet lies the figure of a man in the same decorated robe, slippers and turban, which confirms his high rank. This man's head is supported by his elbow. The statue is believed to have symbolic value.
Vickeroy's Arch was the place where the new Viceroy was given the keys to the city of Old Goa. The structure lost its ceremonial significance when the capital of Goa was moved to Panaji in 1843.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

This Basilica is famous for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier and is considered the best example of Baroque architecture in the state. The basilica was built in 1605 and today is one of the most popular attractions in Goa.

Se Cathedral

It is the largest cathedral in all of Asia and one of the most famous religious buildings in India. Of course, this is one of the most fascinating attractions in Old Goa. Built in 1563, the cathedral has one of its most famous features - big bell, known as the "Golden Bell". It is the largest bell in Goa and is also recognized as one of the finest bells in the world due to its rich tone.

Ruins of St. Augustine

The crumbling remains of St. Augustine's Church perhaps serve as a perfect metaphor for the fallen era of Portuguese colonization. All that remains of the old church is a 46-meter high tower, which was once the bell tower of this building. The church was built in the early 1600s. It was soon abandoned and gradually collapsed between 1842 and 1938. The bell of the church, however, is still preserved, but it is located in the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery has become a place where anyone can gain a broad understanding of the archaeological and artistic history of Goa. Many artifacts, sculptures and objects from Portuguese rule are among the most intriguing exhibits in the museum, which has eight galleries and spans even the prehistoric era.