Location - Goa
Best Time To Visit - October to March
It is not only the stunning and serene beaches that makes Goa a paradise
but there are lot more here that makes Goa, a perfect eye candy for the
tourists from worldwide. The architectural splendours that Goa displays is a
matter of immense pleasure. The place holds a number of convents and
churches that are indeed architectural marvels, built during the 16th and
17th century. One can see the dominance of Portuguese architectural styles
in most of the monuments of Goa. These churches are indeed the true legacy
of Goa.
The
churches also display an amalgamation of Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Lime plaster and laterite. The churches of Goa have great historical
importance and draws tourists from worldwide. 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.
Must Sees
The Basilica of Bom Jesus - Bom Jesus generally
means 'infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus'. This church is located in old Goa,
which used to be the capital of Goa during the Portuguese rule in India. The
church of Bom Jesus is primarily known for the tomb and mortal remains of
St. Francis Xavier and is about 400 years old. The Basillica of Bom Jesus
has also been credited as a UNESO World Heritage Site. It is counted as one
of the richest churches in Goa. It brings a number of tourists to itself.
Built in 1695, this monument is said to be one of the best examples of the
Baroque architecture in India.
The Church has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity.
Se Cathedral - The Se Cathedral is one of the oldest
and most celebrated religious buildings in Goa. It took around eight years
in the completion of one of the largest churches in Asia. Located in old
Goa, the church is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. The church is
considered as one of the most sacred places for Christians and has also been
given the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This Cathedral was
built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Muslim army. The
five massive bells of the church is what is the major attraction of the
church.
Church and Convent Of St. Francis Of Assisi - To the
west of Se Cathedral lies the Church and Convent of St. Francis Of Assisi.
It was initially a chapel and was later converted in to a church. It is
dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The Archaeological Survey of India has
converted the church in to a museum that displays artifacts, paintings and
pieces of Hindu temple sculptures from Goa.
Church of Lady of Rosary - This church was built in
the year 1544. The church has followed the Manueline style of architecture.
This is supposed to be the very place where Alfonso de Albuquerque led his
troops to victory in 1510 AD.
Convent Of Santa Monica And Chapel Of The Weeping Cross
- This convent was built in the year 1606 and follows the Tuscan style of
architecture. Earlier the Convent Of Santa Monica was the only convent open
to Europeans as well as Eurasians ans native Goans.
Feather to the Cap
Most of the magnificent churches and convents of Goa have been declared as
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.
