Churches
of Goa
Se Cathedral:
It is the largest Churches in Old Goa, which began church service in 1562 during
the reign of King Dom Sebastiao(1557-8). It was fairly complete by 1619, though
the altars were not finished until 1652. The cathedral was built for the Dominicans
and paid for by royal treasury out of the proceeds of the sale of crown property.
The buildings style is Portuguese-Gothic with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian
interior. They were once two tower a, one either side of the facade, but one
collapsed in 1776. The remaining tower houses a famous bell, the largest in
Goa, often called Golden Bell because of it's rich & deep sound. The main
altar is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandra, and painting on either side
of it depicts scenes from life to martydom.
Church of St Francis of Assisi :
It is one of the most intricate buildings in Old Goa. It contains gilded and
carved woodwork, old murals depicting scenes from the life of St Francis, a
floor substantially made of carved gravestones complete with family coats of
arms dating back to the early 16th century. The church was built by eight Franciscan
friars who arrived here in 1517. They initially constructed a small chapel consisting
of three altars and a choir. This was later pulled down and the present building
was built on the same spot and completed in 1661.
The convent at the back
of this church is now the Archaeological Museum (open Saturday to Thursday,
10 am to 5 pm entry free).
Church of St Cajetan:
A copy on the original design of St Peter's in Rome, this church was built by
Italian friars of the Order of Th
eatines,
who were sent by Pope Urban III to preach Christianity in the town of Golconda
(near Hyderabad). The friars were not permitted to work in Golconda, so settled
at Old Goa in 1640. The construction of the church began in 1655.
Church of St Augustine Ruins :
Hardly anything remains of this church, just the huge 46 mt. tower which served
as a belfry and formed part of the facade of the church. The few other remnants
are covered with creepers and weeds, hardly accessible. The church was constructed
in 1602 by Augustine friars. It was abandoned in 1835 due to the repressive
policies of the Portuguese government, which resulted in the eviction of many
religious orders from Goa. The church fell into neglect and the vault collapsed
in 1842.
Temples :
Shri Bhagavati:
The temple, situated by the side of the main road in Pernem, is said to be more
than 500 years old. Two life size images of elephants in standing position,
made of blackstone, on either side at the entrance welcomes visitors. The Goddess
Bhagavati Ashtabhuja in a sanding position on a high pedestal is very imposing.
Dusshera is celebrated with gaiety from Asvin Shuddha Pratipada to Poornima
when over 25 thousand devotees assemble at the temple.
Shri Bhagatvati Temple at Parshem:
Situated at a distance of 7kms. from Pernem in Pernem Taluka, the complex has
five temples, main temple being Shri Bhagavati, other temples are of Shri Sateri,
Shridev Ravalnath, Shri Dev Bhivangi Panchakshari & Bhrama
Brahma Temple:
7kms. from Valpoi, in the village of Carambolim Brahma. This Shrine belongs
to the 5ht century A.D. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma
that is found in India.
Beaches
of Goa
Festivals
of Goa
Churches
of Goa
Baga
Beach 
