- Home
- Experience Goa
- Churches of Goa
Churches of Goa
Goa - the haven of natural treasures is well-acclaimed for its architectural
marvels, of which the historic churches form an integral part. Church building
was one of the key activities of the ancient Portuguese settlers in Goa. In
fact, one of Vasco de Gama's prime missions for discovering the sea route to
India was to "look for Christians".
History:
History has it that the Portuguese settlers forced Christianity upon the natives with religious fervor during their period of inquisition in Goa. Most of the Goan churches were built on the sites of former temples, which had been destroyed by the Portuguese. The architecturally splendorous churches were the main landmarks of Goa during the colonial times, and even today, rank as key tourist attractions in Goa, and are visited by innumerable tourists all the year round.
Significance:
Churches in Goa play a key role in Goa's social, cultural and religious fabric as a significant part of Goa's populace has, for several generations, comprised of Christians. These Churches have immensely contributed to education in Goa. At present, all the churches in Goa are part of the Archdiocese of Goa and function with its help. Many of these churches are protected heritage sites as well.
Architecture:
The architecture of Goa's churches primarily bear influence of Portuguese, European and Indo-European styles of church building. Their architecture has undergone remarkable changes over the centuries and with the fashion of the period that they were built in.
These churches are a witness to the Portuguese invasion, in goa. built between the 16th and 17th century AD,these churches present a unique blend of the Renaissance and Baroque styles. These Goan churches are famous for their outstanding and exemplary Christian architecture with most of them displaying tiered frontispiece, framed with columns and pilasters. They are the next important tourist attraction after the beaches & are thronged by people of all religions. Churches and convents of Goa have found place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world since it contains the tomb and mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier.A red laterite edifice completed in 1605.
Se Cathedral
The cathedral built in purist Tuscan style and is stagerring in proportions. In one chapel is kept the Cross of Miracles, said to grow in size & have healing properties.
Convent & Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The beautiful church displays superb decorative paintwork & woodcarving & floor are inlaid with elaborately engraved tombstones depicting
The Church of St. Alex - Curtorim
Nine kilometer from Margao, the Church of St. Alex is one of the oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.
History:
History has it that the Portuguese settlers forced Christianity upon the natives with religious fervor during their period of inquisition in Goa. Most of the Goan churches were built on the sites of former temples, which had been destroyed by the Portuguese. The architecturally splendorous churches were the main landmarks of Goa during the colonial times, and even today, rank as key tourist attractions in Goa, and are visited by innumerable tourists all the year round.
Significance:
Churches in Goa play a key role in Goa's social, cultural and religious fabric as a significant part of Goa's populace has, for several generations, comprised of Christians. These Churches have immensely contributed to education in Goa. At present, all the churches in Goa are part of the Archdiocese of Goa and function with its help. Many of these churches are protected heritage sites as well.
Architecture:
The architecture of Goa's churches primarily bear influence of Portuguese, European and Indo-European styles of church building. Their architecture has undergone remarkable changes over the centuries and with the fashion of the period that they were built in.
These churches are a witness to the Portuguese invasion, in goa. built between the 16th and 17th century AD,these churches present a unique blend of the Renaissance and Baroque styles. These Goan churches are famous for their outstanding and exemplary Christian architecture with most of them displaying tiered frontispiece, framed with columns and pilasters. They are the next important tourist attraction after the beaches & are thronged by people of all religions. Churches and convents of Goa have found place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world since it contains the tomb and mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier.A red laterite edifice completed in 1605.
Se Cathedral
The cathedral built in purist Tuscan style and is stagerring in proportions. In one chapel is kept the Cross of Miracles, said to grow in size & have healing properties.
Convent & Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The beautiful church displays superb decorative paintwork & woodcarving & floor are inlaid with elaborately engraved tombstones depicting
The Church of St. Alex - Curtorim
Nine kilometer from Margao, the Church of St. Alex is one of the oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.