Goa – A beautiful land in the country of India is very popular due to its Tourism. This state is famous for its long coastline, Traditional architecture including churches and temples, Pleasant climate, night life and many more factors. In this Blog we will talk about the famous churches in Goa-Their location and other specifics.
The Portuguese captured Goa in the 16th century and ruled for over four centuries. During this duration of their rule, the Portuguese have left behind an ineradicable effect on Goa including the Goan food, culture, religion, fairs, festivals and music thus presenting Goa as a unique location to the foreign visitors than other parts of the country.
Brought along by the Portuguese, Christianity is widely practiced in the state. They have definitely left behind their culture and conventions which is still reflected among the Goans. The buildings of Goa distinctly reflect the Portuguese style of architecture. Church building was one of the key occupations of the early Portuguese and it is known that one of Vasco da Gama's chief aim in finding the sea route to India was to "Seek Christians and Spices" both of which are what Goa is now known for. The state of Goa is factually synonymous with “Churches”. A few of the important Churches are discussed below.
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
This magnificent edifice is the most popular and famous of all the churches in Goa and truly deserves to be given the status of a World Heritage Site. History asserts that it was built in the 16th century- located in Old Goa which was the capital city during the Portugal rule. The significance behind the importance and the popularity of this church is because it contains the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier—the Patron Saint of Goa, kept in a silver casket. Dedicated to Infant Jesus, this church is now a World Heritage Monument.
• Se Cathedral
The most magnificent of all the churches at Old Goa- around 9 kilometers from the capital city Panaji, its domed interior overwhelms its visitors. This Cathedral has five bells, among them the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the finest in the world. The church is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.
• Reis Magos Church
The Reis Magos church was constructed in 1555 and was one of the earliest churches built in Goa and the first in Bardez Taluka dedicated to the 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, and is very pleasing to its visitors due to its location on the sea side.
• Our Lady Of The Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim
The church another of the earliest churches in Goa to be built being there by 1541, and later it was completely re-built from its foundations in 1619. The interior of the church is comparatively simple by the standards of the Portuguese; however the backdrop to the main altar - dedicated to Mary Immaculate is impressive enough and thus making it another of the popular churches in Goa.
The above mentioned are only a few of the beautiful churches in Goa. But almost all of the other churches here reflect the influence of the Portuguese here with their unique architecture and designs. Many of the churches here in Goa are not on the maps and hence not known to the tourists but are still very beautifully architected. Holidaying Goa offers you updates on what’s happening around, to have the best of the best times, while you are HOLIDAYING GOA! Get connected to us to know it all :)
Brought along by the Portuguese, Christianity is widely practiced in the state. They have definitely left behind their culture and conventions which is still reflected among the Goans. The buildings of Goa distinctly reflect the Portuguese style of architecture. Church building was one of the key occupations of the early Portuguese and it is known that one of Vasco da Gama's chief aim in finding the sea route to India was to "Seek Christians and Spices" both of which are what Goa is now known for. The state of Goa is factually synonymous with “Churches”. A few of the important Churches are discussed below.
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
This magnificent edifice is the most popular and famous of all the churches in Goa and truly deserves to be given the status of a World Heritage Site. History asserts that it was built in the 16th century- located in Old Goa which was the capital city during the Portugal rule. The significance behind the importance and the popularity of this church is because it contains the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier—the Patron Saint of Goa, kept in a silver casket. Dedicated to Infant Jesus, this church is now a World Heritage Monument.
• Se Cathedral
The most magnificent of all the churches at Old Goa- around 9 kilometers from the capital city Panaji, its domed interior overwhelms its visitors. This Cathedral has five bells, among them the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the finest in the world. The church is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.
• Reis Magos Church
The Reis Magos church was constructed in 1555 and was one of the earliest churches built in Goa and the first in Bardez Taluka dedicated to the 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, and is very pleasing to its visitors due to its location on the sea side.
• Our Lady Of The Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim
The church another of the earliest churches in Goa to be built being there by 1541, and later it was completely re-built from its foundations in 1619. The interior of the church is comparatively simple by the standards of the Portuguese; however the backdrop to the main altar - dedicated to Mary Immaculate is impressive enough and thus making it another of the popular churches in Goa.
The above mentioned are only a few of the beautiful churches in Goa. But almost all of the other churches here reflect the influence of the Portuguese here with their unique architecture and designs. Many of the churches here in Goa are not on the maps and hence not known to the tourists but are still very beautifully architected. Holidaying Goa offers you updates on what’s happening around, to have the best of the best times, while you are HOLIDAYING GOA! Get connected to us to know it all :)
