Churches of Old Goa: UNESCO World Heritage Site Guide
The Churches and Convents of Goa were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, in recognition of their outstanding universal value as monuments of baroque art and architecture. This remarkable collection of churches and convents in Old Goa (Velha Goa) represents the finest examples of Portuguese colonial religious architecture in Asia, where Catholic missions were established from the 16th century onwards. The churches of Old Goa stand as lasting testimony to the influence of the Catholic religion and the work of missionaries in Asia during the Age of Discovery.
Old Goa, once known as the capital of the Portuguese Indies, was founded on the banks of the Mandovi River following the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510 by Afonso de Albuquerque. At its peak in the 16th century, Old Goa rivalled Lisbon in grandeur, with a population of over 200,000. Today, the major churches and cathedrals that survived are preserved as heritage sites by the Archaeological Survey of India and form one of India's most visited UNESCO heritage destinations.
Major Churches of Old Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most celebrated church in Old Goa and houses the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. Built between 1594 and 1605, this baroque masterpiece is the only church in Old Goa without exterior plaster, exposing its laterite stone walls. The main altar is gilded and richly decorated in Corinthian style. A silver casket containing the remains of Saint Francis Xavier was crafted by the Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini in the 17th century. The basilica was among the first heritage sites in the state of Goa to receive UNESCO world heritage site recognition.
Se Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Catarina)
Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia and one of the grandest cathedrals in the entire Portuguese-speaking world. Church dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, this monument was built to commemorate the conquest of Goa in 1510 by Afonso de Albuquerque, who captured the city on the feast day of Saint Catherine. Construction began in 1562 under orders from the Viceroy and was completed around 1619, though the altars were not finished until 1652. The cathedral features a Tuscan style exterior and a Portuguese-Manueline interior, with a richly carved main altar and several ornate chapel bays. Originally the cathedral had two towers, but one collapsed in 1776. The surviving tower contains the famous "Golden Bell," one of the largest bells in the world.
Church of St Francis of Assisi
The Church of St Francis of Assisi, built in 1661, is a stunning example of the blend of Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque architectural styles that define the churches and convents of Goa. The original chapel on this site dates to 1517, when Franciscan friars first arrived in Old Goa. The church features elaborate woodwork and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis. The adjacent convent now houses the Archaeological Museum, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, displaying Portuguese-era artefacts, sculptures, and portraits of the Viceroys. This monument is one of the finest examples of Portuguese style architecture in India.
Church of St Cajetan (Church of Divine Providence)
The Church of St Cajetan, also known as the Church of Divine Providence, was built in 1661 by Italian friars of the Theatine order. The church was designed by architects Carlo Ferrarini and Francesco, and modelled after St Peter's Basilica in Rome. It features a striking white facade, a cruciform plan, and an impressive dome. St Cajetan is one of the best-preserved monuments of Old Goa and showcases Corinthian columns, baroque altars, and ornate ceiling paintings. The monument was originally dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence.
Chapels and Other Heritage Sites
- Chapel of St Catherine: Built in 1510 to commemorate Afonso de Albuquerque's conquest of Goa in 1510. Dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, this small chapel was later elevated to cathedral status by Pope Paul III in 1534. It is among the oldest churches in Goa and a model for later church architecture.
- Church of Our Lady of the Rosary: Dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, this is one of the earliest churches in Old Goa, built in 1544 in Manueline style. It sits on a hilltop offering panoramic views over Old Goa and the Mandovi River. Features of the Lady of the Rosary chapel include carved altar pieces and a distinctive tower.
- Ruins of the Church of St Augustine: The Church of St Augustine was originally built in 1602 by Augustinian friars and was one of the grandest structures in Old Goa. The Augustinian complex fell into disrepair after the religious orders were expelled in 1835. Today, only the 46-metre tower remains, a haunting monument to Old Goa's former glory. The ruins of the church are an archaeological site managed by the Survey of India.
- Statue of St Catherine: A notable monument near the chapel commemorating the conquest of Goa.
- Viceroy's Arch: The grand entrance gateway to Old Goa from the banks of the Mandovi River, built to welcome arriving Viceroys.
UNESCO World Heritage Significance
The churches and convents of Goa were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1986 as a cultural property of outstanding value. The UNESCO citation highlights how these monuments spread forms of Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque art and architecture across Asia where Catholic missions were established. The heritage sites illustrate the evangelisation of the continent and the influence of the Catholic religion during Portugal's maritime empire. Old Goa was the capital of Portuguese India from 1510 until the capital was moved to Panaji in 1843, and the churches of Goa remain the finest architectural legacy of that era.
Practical Information
- Entry: Free for all churches and convents
- Dress code: Modest clothing required (cover shoulders and knees)
- Photography: Generally allowed but no flash inside the church and convent buildings
- Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid crowds and heat; the monument grounds are open from 9am to 5:30pm
- Time needed: 2-3 hours for the main UNESCO world heritage site area; half a day if visiting all heritage sites
- Guided tours: Available at the Archaeological Museum and through local operators. Highly recommended to understand the Goa heritage and historical context of each church and convent.
How to Reach Old Goa
- From Panaji: 9km east along the Mandovi River, approximately 20 minutes by taxi or local bus
- From Calangute/North Goa: 18km, approximately 40 minutes by taxi
- From Dabolim Airport: 30km, approximately 45 minutes by taxi
- Public buses: Regular services run from Panaji to Old Goa. The bus stop is a short walk from the main cathedral complex.
Feast of St Francis Xavier
Every year on December 3rd, thousands of devotees and visitors flock to the Basilica of Bom Jesus for the feast day of Francis Xavier. Every 10 years, the body of Saint Francis Xavier is displayed for public veneration in a major pilgrimage event that draws millions from across India and the world. The last exposition took place in 2014, with the next expected in 2024-2025. The feast day is one of the most important dates in the Goa heritage calendar.
Old Goa History: 1510 to Present
Old Goa's story begins with the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510 by Afonso de Albuquerque. The Portuguese made Velha Goa their capital and embarked on an ambitious building programme, constructing churches and convents of Goa that would serve as the spiritual heart of the Portuguese empire in Asia. By 1521, Old Goa was a thriving city, and in 1534, Pope Paul III elevated the chapel of Saint Catherine to cathedral status. The 1594-1665 period saw the construction of the most important monuments, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and major expansions to Se Cathedral. Epidemics in the 17th century led to a gradual decline, and by 1843 the capital was officially moved to Panaji. The churches of Old Goa survived thanks to their enduring religious significance and were declared churches in Goa worthy of preservation by the archaeological authorities, ultimately leading to the 1986 UNESCO world heritage listing.
✈️ Get Flight Alerts to Goa
Set your budget. We check 6 airlines every 2 hours and text you the second prices drop.
Get Free Alerts — 30 Seconds →🏨 Book Hotels & Experiences
Get the best deals on accommodations and activities with Klook
Find Hotels →