Churches in Goa

Amongst the key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Goa are its churches. The churches in Goa stand in testimony to the strong Roman Catholic community of the former Portuguese rulers of Goa.

The churches of Goa are the manmade wonders that add on to the natural beauty of the beach capital of India. The picturesque background settings add to the structural beauty of the churches in Goa. In fact while at the capital city of Goa, Panaji the church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian are a must visit. The church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the oldest amongst the churches in Goa.

Goa is actually dotted with churches. In fact the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles that is celebrated 16 days after the Easter with equal zest by both Hindus and Christians.

Amongst the largest churches of Goa is the Se Cathedral in Old Goa. Several devotees and tourist throng this church dedicated to St. Catherine. People are believed to have seen the vision of Christ on this cross, which is gradually growing.

While in Old Goa you must also visit the holy shrine of Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Monument that is home to the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Miraculously the remains of the Saint are as fresh as when he was buried in 1552. Innumerable Roman Catholics from across the globe visit this church in Goa when the body is available for public viewing once in every ten years.

There are a number of other churches in Old Goa that are world-renowned and a must visit while you are in Goa. Church of Our Lady of Rosary is amongst the oldest churches of Old Goa. The Church and Convent of St. Monica was the first nunnery in Asia. After years once again it has been successfully converted into a residential convent.

The Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Old Goa is a must see in Goa for its archaeological museum. The prehistoric items at display remind you of the Golden Goa when Goa was often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Orient'. An Italian architect had modelled the outstanding Church of St. Cajetan in Old Goa on the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in 1651.

Amongst the other illustrious churches of Goa are Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Chapel of St. Anthony et al. all of which are in Old Goa.

While in South Goa you may visit the Rachol Seminary. The Rachol Seminary was a Muslim fortress that the Portuguese had converted into a church. Further in 16th century it was turned into seminary for Theological Studies.