Churches:

1.Se Cathedral at Old Goa

The largest church in Asia, the cathedral in Old Goa, is a mighty 16th century monument to the Roman Catholic rule of Goa under the Portuguese. Its huge Golden Bell is the biggest in the world. The Church has 14 side chapels; the last chapel, in Mauresque style, preserves a cross upon which a vision of Christ is said to have appeared in 1919.This church dedicated to St.Catherine was built for the Dominicans and was paid for by the royal treasury out of the proceeds of the sale of the Crowns property. This Church has five bells. One of which is the Golden bell , the biggest in Goa and one of the most marvelous in the world.

2.Church of St.

Francis of Assisi at Old Goa is adjacent to the Cathedral. Built in pure Manueline style, the interior is adorned with a profusion of carvings and exquisite paintings. The convent at the back of this church is now the Archaeological Museum. It houses many portraits of the Portuguese Viceroys and fragments of sculpture from Hindu temple sites in Goa. The entrance and the choir are in the Manueline style,the one and the only one of its kind in the east. The interior is exquisitely illustrated with paintings.Behind this church is the Archeological Museum.

3.Bom Jesus Basilica

This is the most popular and famous of all the churches in Goa.Built in the 16th century. This church is dedicated to Infant Jesus. There is a modern art Gallery attached to this church. Partially in ruins but awesome still, it is a fine example of Jesuit architecture. The church's most precious relic is the embalmed body of St. Francis Xavier entombed in a marble mausoleum presented by the Duke of Tuscany, who received the Saint's pillow in exchange. Once every 10 years, the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are exposed for public veneration. It was last exposed in 1994.

4.St. Cajetan Church Built

in the style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.The construction of this church was begun in 1965. Interesting to note are the interiors decorated in pure, unrestrained baroque, the intricately carved pulpit. Of interest is the covered well inside that indicates that the site was one perhaps a temple. Walk over to the side to see the doorway that once was the entrance to an Islamic palace belonging to Adil Shah, the ruler of Goa before the Portuguese disembarked.

5.Church

of the Lady of the Mount One of the oldest in Goa. Located near Ponda, this was apparently the vantage point from where Adil Shah beat back the Portuguese only to meet his doom few months later. Ironically the view from this hill of the imposing and towering churches below, built by the Portuguese, who finally wrested Goa from the Muslims.This church bears an inscription about the reconquest of Goa by Alphonso de Albuquerque in 1510.It is wonderful yet poignant. Interestingly mass is still held at this church on the 8th of every month.

6.St. Augustine Tower

The tower is one of the four towers of the Augustine church that once stood there. This was once the largest church in Goa. It was constructed in 1602 by Augustinian Friars who arrived in Goa in 1587. Bear with the weeds and rubble to visit the spot where the Augustinians lived.

7.Santa Monica cloister

Located on the Holy Hill, in Old Goa, a visit into this crumbling convent, that is still occupied by nuns and is one of the largest in Asia, transports one into another era.