People think that Goa is all about beaches, parties, and unlimited booze, but there is another side to Goa that you should witness if you visit Goa. Goa has some of the best Churches in India, and if you want to witness the architectural marvels of the Portugals as well as the skills of the Indian workers during the 15th century, you should definitely visit churches in Goa. Visit these churches to feel that sacred aura as well as to look at the architectural grandeur and structural excellence of the 15th century.
Relive those ancient times just by visiting the following churches:
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus This church was established in the year 1605, and it is one of the most visited churches in Goa. This church is famous for hosting the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. One of the most interesting facts about this church is that it is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Basilica of Bom Jesus church is a representation of the Baroque Architecture. There’s no restriction in taking photographs near this church, so let the photographer within you flourish when you are visiting this church. Timing : The best time to visit this church is Sunday 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM and 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM on weekdays. 2. Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception This 17th Century church based in Panjim is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Goa. This church has a historical and religious significance. This church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is also famous for an ancient bell that is the second largest of the kind in Goa. Much like other churches in Goa this a great place to take amazing pictures. The church has a very distinctive appearance because of the double flights of zigzag steps across the hillside on which the church is located. Timing : 09:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 03:30 PM to 07:30 PM on all days of the week
3. Se Cathedral
The Se Cathedral church is one of the largest churches in not only in Goa but also in India. This church has an interesting history, and it was built in 1510 to celebrate the victory of Portugal ruler Afonso de Albuquerque for capturing Goa. This church displays a Portugese-Manueline form of architecture. You can visit this church to take a look at the largest bell of Goa called the Golden bell. In addition to this, this place has a very spiritual aura to it, and you can visit this place for spiritual peace.
Timing : 07:30 AM to 06:00 PM (open on all days of the week)
4. Church of Our Lady of the Mount
If your visit to Goa is for soul searching and isolation, you must visit this church. This church offers a spectacular view of the river Mandovi and Chorao island. Many Bollywood movies have been filmed around this church. Sitting near this church you will witness the best sunset of your life. Although due to its location, this is an isolated church but it is jam-packed during the Monte Music festival.
Timing : 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM
5. Church of St. Cajetan
This church is the most beautiful church of South Goa and is modeled as St. Peter’s church in Rome. Built with laterite rocks, this church shows influence o Corinthian form of architecture. The interior part of the church is crafted in a Baroque style. This church has thousands of admirers all around the world, and this is one of the best architectural pieces that represents the majestic Portugal era.
Timing : 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM (all the days of the week)
6. Mae De Deus Church The Mae De Deus Church is the only church in Goa with Neo-Gothic style. The beautiful white-washed walls of this church will remind you of the castles from Disneyland. The beauty of this splendid architectural looks illuminating at night. A picture near this church at night will give you millions of likes on social media platforms. A feast on the first Sunday of May is not a thing to miss if you are in Goa in the month of May. Timing : 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM (all days).
7. Church of St Francis of Assisi
The church of St Francis of Assisi was established in the year 1661. And this church shows an amalgamation of Tuscan, Baroque, and Corinthian architectural forms. This church holds numerous paintings that depict the life of St Francis of Assisi. This is the only church in Goa that has a museum containing different artifacts, sculptures, and paintings. Visiting this church will give you a glimpse of Goa’s culture and past.
Timing : This church is open on all days except Sunday and the timing is 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM
8. St. Diogo’s Church
This beautiful Neo-Roman style church was built in 1604 by the patrons of St Diogo. This church has five altars and three bells, making it one of the most distinctive churches in Goa.
Timing : Except on Sunday this church is open on all days of the week and timing is 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM
9. Santa Cruz Church This church was built in the year 1546, and it began as a small place of worship for the villagers in Tiswadi taluka. This church is built in Neo-Roman style and showcases a beautiful blend of the Indian and European cultures. If you want to see the glorious past of Goa, you must visit this Santa Cruz Church. Timing : This church is open on weekdays from 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM and 08:00 AM to 06:30 PM on Sunday.
10. Chapel of St. Catherine
This Church was built by the Purtuguese governor in the year 1510. This is the first Christian ecclesiastical church built in Goa. The Chapel of St Catherine has undergone several subsequent modifications before finally rebuilt in 1952. This church is also included in the UNESCO world heritage site. The historical significance of this church makes it one of the most visited churches for History lovers.
Timing : 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
11. Church of the Cross of Miracles This church built in the 16th century, still standing tall and is a perfect example of strength and resilience. This is one of the best places to visit if you want to witness the miraculous power of the church. Although this church is almost ruined it is standing tall and has witnessed almost five centuries. Thus it is a significant place for history lovers. Timing : 07:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 04:00 PM to 11:00 PM
12. Nossa Senhora de Penha de Franca This marvelous church is one of the most beautiful churches all around the world. The high vaulting ceilings and the stained glass window will give you perfect picture for your social media profile. Visiting this church will give you an opportunity to witness the confluence of the river Mandovi and Mapusa. Timing : This church is open on all days of the week. (08:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
13. St. Clara’s Church This church was built in the year 1768 is one of the oldest churches of Goa. This church has a very spiritual vibe to it with a pure white exterior and lush green forest surrounding it. Visiting this church will give you a perfect picture that will give you a memorable moment to cherish for a lifetime. This church has been attacked several times, but it still stands tall, and this shows the strength of the church and the perseverance of the people. Timing : 09:00AM to 12:00PM
14. Chapel of Saint Sebastian The chapel of Saint Sebastian church built in the 19th Century is dedicated to St Sebastian, who treated thousands of people suffering from plague and other diseases. This pristine white structure is a major tourist attraction of Panjim. People believe that this church has the power to punish and reward people according to their ‘Karma.’
Timing : 09:30 AM to 01:00 PM and 04:30 PM to 06:00 PM
15. St. Elizabeth’s Church
The construction of this church began in the year 1618 by Franciscans and was completed by the year 1628.This church features Christ’s statue at the top of the church.This church is built in a Mannerist style and includes Rocco features. This is a well-maintained church and witnesses thousands of visitors every month.
Timing : This church is open 24 hours on all days of the week.
16. Church of Lady of Rosary
The Church of Lady of the Rosary is located near to the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus. This church has two chapels and altar inside. The main altar is built to commemorate the Holy Mother. Built with laterite and lime mortar this church gives a very picturesque scenery. The interior and the interior of the church resembles a fortress. In this church, St. Francis Xavier gave his first sermon when he arrived in Goa.
Timing : 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM (all the days of the week)
17. Church of St. Anne
This is another church of Goa that is inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage site. This church presents a unique specimen of the Baroque architectural style. The church of St. Anne is located on the banks of river Siridao. This admirable church has a beautiful architectural style consisting of whitewashed exteriors and cylindrical roofs in the interior. This church can be described as a masterpiece of the Indian Baroque architectural style.
Timing : 09:30 AM to 04:30 PM
18. St Alex Church
The St. Alex Church is considered as one of the oldest churches in Goa. It is believed that this church was built on the site of an ancient temple and the ruins of the temple can still be found around the church. The dome and towers of the church are a major attraction, and hundreds of visitors visit this church every month to witness the unique architectural style of this church. This church has an ornate grotto and seven altars, which gives it a distinct feature. Numerous feasts are held at this church. And if you are a lucky person, you can even get to attend the famous feast of St. Alex.
Timing : 09:00 AM to 08:30 PM (all the days of the week)
19. St. Andrew’s Church
The elegant Neo-Gothic structure of St. Andrew’s church in Goa will attract you to its beauty. This beautiful church is located in the town of Vasco de Gama, and the church is named after St. Andrews, who was the patron saint of fishermen. This church has one of the most beautifully ornamented interiors as compared to other churches in Goa. The St. Andrew’s church also runs a school in its premises. The beautifully ornamented wall with a Golden tinge will definitely attract you once you visit this church.
Timing : This church is open 05:30 AM to 07:00 AM and 04:30 PM to 05:30 PM on weekdays and 05:30 AM to 07:00 AM and 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM on Sunday.
20. Three Kings Chapel This church is one of the most famous churches of Goa due to its Ghostly stories over the years. The three kings chapel presents a story of greed and jealousy through the presence of evil energy there. Some of the daredevil visitors visit this church every year to witness and test the presence of evil energy in this church. This church is located on a hill, and thus, it presents a stunning view of the lush green forest and coastline around it. This is one of the best places in Goa to look at the beautiful sunrise and sunset. Timing : Open all days of the week Visiting Goa not only brings out a wanderlust inside you, it can also touch you with its sacred aura. The portugese rulers have left behind some of the most amazing churches in Goa. these churches are a representation of different architectural styles and beauty attached to it. These churches not only represents a place for worshipping, it also shows the grand designs and architectural marvels. So next time you visit Goa, in addition to visiting different beaches, waterfalls, and forts don’t forget to have a look at these beautiful architectural pieces. The churches in Goa are a sparkling gem for devotees as well as history lovers.
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