Churches of Goa, a World Heritage site in Old Goa, an important part of Catholic Goa's social, cultural and religious life.

Recommanded Resorts in Goa

Churches of Goa

 

Old Goa

Most of the churches in Goa were built during the time of Portuguese rule, and many of them in Old Goa, which is today a World Heritage site. Goan churches are renowned for their interesting architecture which is a blend of two or more styles and influences.

 

Portuguese Houses of Goa

During Portuguese rule there was a period of 'inquisition" in which most of the Hindu temples were destroyed and churches were built in their place, often on the original site of the temple. The church plays an important role in Catholic Goa's social, cultural and religious life.

Today the churches are all part of the Archdiocese of Goa. The oldest church in Goa is the Church of Our Lady of Rosary on Monte Santo in Old Goa. The style of church at the time that this church was built is known as Manueline after King Emmanuel of Portugal. The churches that were built in the period between 1510 and 1550 are known as the churches of the early period.

Church Houses in Goa

A prime example of a church from this period is the Church of Our Lady of Rosary. The period between 1550 and 1660 is known as the Baroque period, and the best examples of churches from this period are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Se Cathedral, the Chirch of St Cajetan and the Augustine Church of Our Lady of Grace, which is now in ruins. The other architectural periods are the Rococo period from 1760 to 1899 and the Modern period, from 1900 to current times.

The following is a list of must-see churches in Goa
• Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
• Church of St. Francis of Assisi
• The Se Cathedral
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• St. Cajetan Church
• Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
• Chapel and Tomb of St. Francis Xavier
• St. Augustine Tower

 
EnglishRussianGermanDanishSpanishFrenchDutch