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Churches and Convents
of Goa (1986), Goa
The Churches and Convents at Velha (Old) Goa owe their existence to
the Portuguese rule in this part of the western coast of India.
The most comprehensive group of churches and cathedrals built
during 16th to 17th century AD at Old Goa comprise of the following:
Se' Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel
of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus; Church of Lady of Rosary;
Church of St. Augustine.
The Church of St. Cajetan is modelled on the original design of St.
Peter's Church in Rome. The Church of Bom Jesus with its facade
decorated with Ionic, Doric and Corinthian pilasters, shows the
application of the Classical order. The Se' Cathedral which was begun
as a small chapel built of mud and straw under the order of Alfonso
Albuquerque after his conquest of Goa is yet another example of
Renaissance with its Tuscan exterior, the Corinthian columns at its
portals, the raised platform with steps leading to the entrance and
the barrel-vault above the nave. The principal chapel is large and
ornamented with engraved pillars and pilasters. The images of Senhora
d’Esperanca (Our Lady of Hope), Christ crucified and St. Catherine
standing in the centre with statues of St. Peter and St. Paul on
either side.
The paintings in the churches were done on wooden borders and fixed
between panels having floral designs as in the chapels housing the
tomb of St. Xavier, the arches above the altars in the transept of the
Se' Cathedral and in the nave on either side of the main altar in the
Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Excepting a few which are in stone,
the statues are mostly in wood delicately carved and painted to adorn
the altars. They depict mostly the saints, Mother Mary and Jesus on
the cross.
Bom Jesus is said to be one of the grandest Churches to be raised
in Asia vast and magnificent with ornaments suited to its greatness.
Made of black granite, it part Doric and part Corinthian façade is
elaborately carved. The ceiling is highly decorated. Sarcophagi of
illustrious Portuguese who were connected with the religious life of
Goa are very interesting. Its high and broad altar is dedicate to the
figure of infant (Bom) Jesus.
The monuments are open on all the days, i.e. throughout the year
(inclusive of all public, state, national holidays)
Open from: 8.30 A.M to 5.30 P.M – Church complex
Sunrise to sunset - other monuments
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