Goa is not only about the stunning beaches, swaying palms, scenic coves, golden sand and mesmerising turquoise waters but it is also about its architectural marvels which are fully displayed in its churches and convents. The great number of churches and convents in Goa adds extra charm to the place which is no less than a paradise.

Churches and Convents Of Goa

The churches in Goa are a legacy of the Portuguese. They are built with a perfect combination of the Renaissance and Baroque styles. These churches hold great historical importance and attracts umpteen tourists from all across the world every year. The churches are mostly built of laterite and lime plaster.
The famous churches of old Goa comprises of Se' Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Lady of Rosary and the Church of St Augustine. Apart from these there are also many such monuments of faith and worship in Goa.


Se Cathedral
It is the largest church in Asia and was originally built of mud, stones and straw. It was dedicated to St. Catherine.
Built In - 1562
Style Of Architecture - Manueline with Corinthian.

Church and Convent Of St. Francis Of Assisi
This was initially a chapel and was later modified in to a church. The church has been converted into a museum by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1964. The church displays artefacts, paintings and pieces of Hindu temple sculptures from Goa.
Built In - 1521
Style Of Architecture - Manueline Rebuilt As Tuscan With Baroque.

Chapel Of St. Catherine
Afonso de Albuquerque built the original mud structure to commemorate his victory on November 24, 1510.
Built In - 1510
Style Of Architecture - Italian Renaissance Protected By ASI.

Church of Lady of Rosary -
This is supposed to be the very place where Alfonso de Albuquerque led his troops to victory in 1510 AD.
Built In - 1544
Style Of Architecture -Manueline

Church Of Our Lady of Divine Providence And Convent Of St. Cajetan
The Italian Monks of the Theatine Order built this diminutive domed church on the lines of the Roman Basilica of St Peter.
Built In - 1656
Style Of Architecture - Italian Renaissance With Baroque.

Convent Of Santa Monica And Chapel Of The Weeping Cross
Earlier the Convent Of Santa Monica was the only convent open to Europeans as well as Eurasians ans native Goans.
Built In -1606
Style Of Architecture -Tuscan

Year Of Kudos

The famous and magnificent Churches and Convents Of Goa were declared a World Heritage Site in the year 1986. These monuments were influential in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all parts of Asia.

Peppery Bulletin

• Old Goa is also called as Vella Goa. Vella in Portuguese means old.
• The city of Goa was under the Portuguese rule from 1510 and became a capital of Portuguese India in 1961.
• The city of Goa, when was at its peak was as large as London or Paris.
• The Church of St. Cajetan is modelled on the original design of St. Peter's Church in Rome.
• Bom Jesus is said to be one of the grandest Churches to be raised in Asia.