About the Churches of Goa
The churches of Goa are not just religious places where people come to offer their prayer, rather they are reminiscent of the era in the Go an history when Portuguese held sway of this small Indian state. Almost all thechurches in Goa were built by the Portuguese during their five hundred years domination. As such these churches are in a way a legacy of the Portuguese.
Some of the Churches of Goa
Se Cathedral - Built by the Portuguese Viceroy, Redondo,this Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine who is considered a martyr. The Cathedral has faced numerous problems during its construction as well as after it and finally completed in eighty years. However, it was only in 1640 that it was consecrated. The church is built in Tuscan style and is huge inits size. One of the chapel of the cathedral displays the Cross of Miracles which, as per its name, is believed to have extra ordinary powers to treat aperson. It is also believed to grow in size. In past, it was in this cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were kept for the people to have a look.
Church of St Francis of Assisi - In Panjim itself, a little distance away from the Se Cathedral is the church of St Francis ofAssisi. The church traces its origin to the sincere efforts of eight Franciscan Friars whose continuous perseverance got them the possession of the few of the houses of a deceased Thanadar. Initially a small chapel was built and later a church was constructed in 1517. However the present church was built in 1661 and has nothing except the entrance of the old church. The convent at the back of the church is a museum today which can be visited todiscover various archaeological relics.
The church boasts of an architectural brilliance that draws tourists towards it. The exterior of the church is built in Tuscan style while the interiors are rich with complex painted floral designs. The main altar has a large statue of St. Francis of Assisi and an equally large statue of Jesuson the cross. On both the sides of the altar, beautiful paintings not only enhance the beauty of the church but also describe the events from the life of the St of Assisi.
Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus - This is yet another architectural genius worth visiting. Situated in the Old Goa, this church was built in 1605 and is now declared a world heritage site. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of Goa, St Francis Xavier. It is said that a year after the death of the saint on his way to China, his remains were brought back to Goa. Much to the surprise of the people, it was found that the body of the saint was as intact and fresh as it was at the time of burial. Today, the exposition of the body attracts innumerable tourists from far and wide who come to experience its magical healing power like the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1878.
The Church of our Lady of the Rosary - To the west of Basilica of the Bom Jesus, is the Church of our Lady of the Rosary situatedat the top of the ‘Holy Hill’. This church is the oldest one in Goa and is dedicated to the Lady of Immaculate conception. The architectureof the church is Manuline with a bit of Gothic influence. There are two chapels and three alters in the church. On the right side of the main alter,there is the Cenotaph built in the remembrance of Dona Catarina, whose marriage with Viceroy Garcia De Sa was formalised by St. Francis Xavier. The cenotaph is exquisitely ornate with miniature pillars, inscriptions and avase.
The Church and Convent of St Monica - En route to the church of of Our Lady of the Rosary, is another church known as the Churchand convent of St Monica. The church was originally built between the period of 1606 -1627, though after a fire caused immense damage to the building in1636, it had to be rebuilt. It is a three storeyed building of laterite witha large courtyard inside. The courtyard is surrounded by numerous cells and halls which are decorated with paintings. Known as the Royal monastery inthe past, the building is now used by by the Mater dei Institute as anunnery.
Other Churches of Goa
The Reis Magos Church, The Royal Chapel of St. Anthony, The Convent And The Church Of The Cross Of Miracles, The Church of St. Alex - Curtorim, The Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount, The Church Of The Carmelites, The Church Of St Cajetan, The Convent And Church Of St John Of God
