Top churches to visit in Goa May 2024

About Goa

The smallest state in India is Goa. Long, sandy beaches are usually what come to mind when most think about Goa, but the state also has a significant amount of woodland. The tropical haven of India is Goa. Every year, thousands of sun-seeking tourists travel to Goa, which is well-known as India’s party capital. Goa’s thriving tourism economy has helped to make it one of India’s wealthiest states. Apart from beaches, there are many places to visit in Goa like churches. This article lists all the top churches in Goa.

 What is Goa famous for?

For its beaches and sites of worship, the Indian state of Goa is well-known. Due to reduced tourist activity inland, Goa’s primary industry is tourism, which is mainly concentrated in the state’s coastal districts. Goa is the ultimate vacation destination since it offers activities and attractions for tourists of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Some may call it the land of beaches, but what makes that area of Goa special is that any beach you visit, whether in the state’s north or south, will undoubtedly leave you with a unique and interesting experience. The best time to visit the party city is between mid-November and mid-February when the weather is mild and comfortable. Goa has several attractions besides beaches if you are sick of going to beaches. The following list includes the best churches to visit in Goa.

 Top churches to visit in Goa 

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is Goa’s most well-known church and a masterpiece of baroque design. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 16th-century church, is home to St. Francis Xavier’s mortal remains. The Infant Jesus-dedicated church features numerous paintings, marble altars with gold inlay, and marble floors with valuable stones set into them. This church is one of the top places to visit in Goa.

Timings: 8.30 am to 8 pm

Address: Old Goa Road, Bainguinim, Goa 403402  Direction: Map

2. Se Cathedral

In terms of size and beauty, Se Cathedral is one of Goa’s most impressive churches. It is highly revered by the religious community and has exquisite architecture. The purpose of the church’s construction was to extol Portuguese dominance in India. In the church that is devoted to St. Catherine, you can find the Great Golden Bell. The “Golden Rose” was given to the church by the Pope as a sign of appreciation. In Goa tourist places this church is a must-see.

Timings: 7 am to 6.30 pm

Address: GW36+HV4, Velha, Goa 403402 Direction: Map

3. Church of our Lady of the Mount

The Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque ordered the construction of this church in 1510. The Monte Music Festival, a four-day festival of performances by well-known and upcoming musicians of Indian and Western music, is held every year at this chapel, one of Goa’s oldest. The chapel provides beautiful views of the adjacent Divar Island and Mandovi River thanks to its elevated location. It offers Goa sightseeing from the church.

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm

Address: GW3F+R9, Ella, Goa 403110  Direction: Map

4. Church of St. Cajetan

 

One such renowned church in North Goa is St. Cajetan’s. The stunning St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City is said to have been the inspiration for this cathedral, which is situated not far from Se Cathedral. Impressive evidence of the Portuguese occupation of Goa may still be found in the church. Due to its lovely interiors and majestic Corinthian architecture, this church is among the most well-known in Goa. This is Goa’s best place to see apart from beaches.

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm

Address: GW48+62M, Velha Goa, Goa 403402  Direction: Map

5. Church of St Francis of Assisi

A unique blend of Tuscan, Baroque, and Corinthian architecture gave this church its unusual build and made it one of Goa’s most well-known churches. It is one of the most impressive churches due to its brilliantly gilded altars with valuable stone inlays and gorgeous interiors. Another unique aspect of this cathedral is that it has a museum on site containing artwork, sculptures, and antiquities. Any art junkie would love this place in Goa.

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (Closed on Sunday)

Address: Off National Highway 4, Velha Goa, Goa 403110 Direction: Map

6. Diogo’s Church

 

One of North Goa’s most beautiful churches, St. Diogo’s Church has a Roman-inspired facade. There are three doors and three bells in the church. An exciting celebration filled with intense religious passion is the annual feast conducted at the church. This church is a must-see place to visit in Goa.

Timings: 9 am to 12 pm (Closed on Sunday)

Address: Guirim, Goa 403507 Direction: Map

Also Read – PLACES TO VISIT IN PONDICHERRY 2023 WITH |TIMING| & |MAP|

7. Santa Cruz Church

This church, which is also known as Holy Cross Church, is a stunning illustration of Neo-Roman architectural design. In order to promote acceptance of Christianity, it was constructed at the king of Portugal’s suggestion. This church is so beautiful that it comes under Goa tourist places list.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Address: FRGV+CWV, St Cruz, Goa 403005 Direction: Map

8. Chapel of St. Catherine

This church has a significant historical value despite not being as impressive as the other churches in Goa. Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general, erected this beautiful chapel to commemorate his army’s successful march into the city. This truth is still pretty obvious from the inscribed stone, which indicates that the Portuguese general stepped foot here precisely. The church boasts elegant interiors despite its straightforward form. A must see place to visit in Goa.

Timings: 7.30 am to 6 pm

Address: GW36+953, North Goa, Goa 403110 Direction: Map

9. Church of Lady of Rosary

It has a significant historical value and is the oldest church in North Goa. As a token of appreciation for his triumph against the forces of the Deccan Sultanate of Bijapur, it is thought that Afonso de Albuquerque constructed this chapel, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. St. Francis Xavier also spoke his first sermon here after landing in Goa. Given its rounded towers and early Portuguese style, the church resembles a fortress more than anything else.

Timings: 9 am to 5.30 pm

Address: GW23+PX9, Bainguinim, Goa 403110  Direction: Map

Wrap Up

The churches’ meditative ambiance will move you if the beaches’ breathtaking beauty doesn’t already make you yearn to travel. A wonderful legacy that the Portuguese emperors left for us to enjoy is the well-known cathedral in Goa. These churches are not merely a place of worship for Christians; they are also works of art in their own right. Some of them have been successful in getting a place in one of Goa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This article provides a list of all the beautiful churches you can visit in Goa with their locations and timings.