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Churches of Goa

Goa is famous for its old and new charches. There is a large population of christians in Goa. If you visit Goa near about christmas you can sea almost every house decorated with a star.

Visitors to the state of Goa will enjoy visiting these well-known churches. Whether you're looking for a brush with divine, or just want to admire the beautiful architecture, these Goa churches are well worth visiting in the state.

Some of the most famous Churches in Goa are listed below.

  • Basilica of Bom Jesus
  • The Rachol Seminary
  • The Se Cathedral
  • The Tuscan St Catherine's Cathedral
  • Church of Our Lady of Rosary
  • Chapel of St. Catherine Goa
  • Church of St. Francis of Assisi

Basilica of Bom Jesus (Cathedral of the Good Jesus)

Constructed between 1594 and 1605, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is the resting place of the withered body of Francis Xavier, the venerated saint of Goa. The renowned sixteenth-century missionary Francis Xavier is considered to be one of the original seven founders of the Jesuit order. He is credited with executing most of the conversions that took place in 16th century AD. The mortal remains of the patron saint lies in a casket silver made of silver.

Se Cathedral

Located in Old Goa, Se Cathedra, one of the earliest churches of Goa, was built to commemorate the conquest of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over the ruler of Adilshahi dynasty of Bijapu, resulting in the annexation of the city of Goa in February 1510. One of the largest churches in Asia, Se Cathedral is one of the finest specimens of Portuguese-Gothic architecture.

The Tuscan St Catherine's Cathedral

The largest church in India, The Tuscan St Catherine's Cathedral was consecrated in 1640, built over a period of about eighty years. The visitors will be easily overwhelmed by the scale and detail of the Corinthian-style interior of this major draw for Christian pilgrims from all over India. An altar to St Anne contains the relics of the Blessed Martyrs of Cuncolim, whose unsuccessful bid to convert the greatest Mughal emperor Akbar resulted in their murder.

Church of Our Lady of Rosary

Situated atop the Monte Santo or the Holy Hill, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary was built in the 16th century. A fine example of the "Manueline" style of architecture, the church stands on the site where the Portuguese commander Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from Bijapur Sultan in 1510. This oldest church in Goa is visited by a large number of people.

Chapel of St. Catherine Goa

One of the most famous churches in Goa Chapel of St. Catherine attracts thousands of people every year. Constructed by Alphonso Albuquerque, the church is dedicated to St Catherine.

Church and Convent of St. Monica

Meant as a dwelling place for nuns, Church and Convent of St. Monica in Goa built in 1627. Situated on the sacred hill of Goa this Church is a huge building that has the potential of accommodating more than hundred nuns.