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Old
Goa:
(10 kms from Panaji)
East of Panaji, lies the site of city of Old Goa, founded by Adil
Shah in the first decade of 16th century. It was being developed
by them with a view to shifting their capital from Bijapur. However,
Afonso
de Albuquerque made a short work of it when he stormed and took
it over to house the centre of power of the Portuguese colonies.
i) Basilica of Born Jesus:
Built in 16th century is the most popular and famous of all churches
in Goa. 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: 10.00 to 18.30hrs.
Weekdays: 09.00 to 18.30 hrs, Masses: Sunday: 08.00 & 09.15
hrs. Weekdays: 07.00 & 08.00 hrs.
ii) Se Cathedral:
Most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted interior overwhelms
the visitors by sheer grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells of
which one is the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one
of the best in the world. The church is dedicated to St. Catherine.
iii) Church of St. Francis of Assissi:
The entrance and the choirare in Manueline style, the only fragment
of its kind in the East. The interior is illustrated with exquisite
paintings. The adjacent convent now houses the Archaeological Museum.
iv) St.
Cajetan Church:
Built in the style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
v) Church of Our Lady of Rosary:
One of the earliest built in Goa, bears an inscription about the
conquest of Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510.
vi) Nunnery of Santa Monica:
Built like a fortress, is significant for its massive walls and
buttresses. It is the only nunnery in Goa.
vii) Ruins
of Church of St. Augustine:
Close to the Nunnery is a lofty towel defying the torrential rains.
The tower is one of the four of St. Augustine Church that once stood
there. The Church when intact was perhaps the biggest in Goa.
viii) Viceroy's Arch:
One of the gates of Adil Shah's Fort. It was renovated by Portuguese
and was the gateway to Goa for Portuguese Governors. Every incoming
Viceroy used to disembark at this place.
Reis Magos Church: (7 kms from Panaji)
The
Reis Magos Church was constructed in 1555.1 is one of the earliest
churches built in Goa and the first in Bardez taluka, dedicated
to three Magi-Kings. This Church was once the residence of all dignitaries
and also a mission centre of the Franciscan order. There is a fort
adjacent to this church.
The Church of de Dens at Saligao (Bardez):
(13 kms from Panaji)
Built in 1873, 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 Deusat Old Goa.
This beautiful church is the finest piece o gothic style. The Church
is well illuminated at night. The Church of St. Alex at Curtorim:
(9 kms from Margao)
It is one of the oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.
The Church of St. Ana at Talaulim. Ilhas:
(11 kms from Panaji)
Dedicated to St. Ana, is a remarkable piece of ancient Christian
architecture. It was built in 1695 on the right bank of Siridao
river and has picturesque surroundings. The unique feature of this
church is that it has hollow walls through which people could walk
in secrecy for the purpose of confession.
Rachol Seminary:
Situated just off the banks of Zuari river, 12 kilometres from Margao
in South Goa. In 1521 the Portuguese, in their customary fashion
first built a church, then a prison, later in 1574-1610 a seminary
to impart philosophy and theology. It is in this seminary that the
museum of Christian Art is housed.