Old is Gold: Top 5 places to visit in Old Goa

Every tourist and person in Goa has lied to you if they’ve told you they have been to Goa and not visited this place. Possibly the first place you want to visit when you are in Goa. It’s a bit of the remains to Portugal and a place reputed because of its religious remains in the state. Of course there are residential areas and lots of decent food places to go along with it.

Here’s a list however of my top 5 places you want to visit in Old Goa.

#5. Old Goa Jetty

On the brinks of the Mandovi River , the Old Goa jetty presents itself in a very calm and composed manner. The best place to contemplate and just chill. More than a jetty, today it is the best fishing spot in the vicinity. People from different parts of the state gather here to get a good catch.

#4. Bom Jesus Basilica

This Church gets the most publicity within the state. St. Francis Xavier the patron saint of Goa has his body placed in this church. For nearly 400 years his body has been intact and is quite the miracle. With an auspicious rustic finish to the entire church, I see no reason as to why one would not want to go visit. It’s also got a museum and an altar with huge amount of gold plating. The feast is the grandest one in the entire state and is celebrated by all the locals of the state. This place is a World Heritage site and is taken care by the ASI as well.

#3. Se Cathedral

Exactly opposite to the Bom Jesus Basilica, divided only by a road and coconut trees you will get to lay your eyes upon this majestic structure. Kept simple and off cream in colour, one can easily believe they are in Scotland momentarily. The pine trees and fog make you actually believe it’s not part of tropical climate. Another Church which was built in the 16^th Century by the Portuguese themselves.  Church has masses in different languages like English, Konkani, Hindi , Portuguese.

#2. St Augustine Tower

In absolute ruckus and ruins today, the tower still stands tall and mighty. Such an outstanding experience once you do enter the place. Masses would be conducted earlier here, but for some reason the structure fell apart. So rustic and a perfect spot for good photo shoots. Bit of a maze like feeling. However, it can be accessed only during the day. In the night it’s a bit of a haunted kind of feel.

#1. Church of Our Lady of the Monte

Such a picturesque beauty this one is. The picture itself I’m sure would make one want to probably settle down here. Located on a hill, you get to foresee most of the surrounding areas very distinctly. This church is not regularly functioning, but on requests they do have the Chapel feast, Wedding masses and the famous Monte Music Festival happening here.

I think these places are reason enough to visit and stay blessed. 

Churches: top 5 most visited and talked of Churches in Goa

Christianity came to Goa with the Portuguese trades in 1510. It is now the second largest religious community in Goa. (Hinduism 66% and Christianity 25%). Most of this community is in the old conquest talukas of Goa. The Portuguese not only left Christianity here but also incredible architectural beauties. These churches have remained remarkable throughout Asia for their unique, sophisticated and lasting architecture.

#5. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panaji.

This church is often on postcards and tourists from all over the world visiting Goa try to make it to visit this Church at least once. The colonial Portuguese church was first built in 1541 as a chapel by the Portuguese, was replaced by a larger church in the 1600s. the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is held every year on 8^th December, a fair is part of this feast, and in the evening Fireworks are displayed.

#4. Se Cathedral, Old Goa

The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral in Old Goa, is part of the North Goa sight seeing packages. The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of Portugese, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510. Since the day of the victory happened to be on the feast of Saint Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her. The Se Cathedral's tower houses a large bell known as the "Golden Bell" on account of its rich tone. It is said to be the largest in Goa, and one of the best in the world.

# 3.The Three Kings Church, Cansaulim

The 3 kings church is situated at Cuelim hill.The church is famous for the feast of 3 kings celebrated every year on 6th janaury. A special ceremony is held for the feast, young boys dressed as kings enter the church. The view from this church is breathtaking.

#2. Mae de Deus Church, Saligao 

This church is one of the prettiest in Goa, well lit at night, it looks like a Beautiful cake. Its unique architecture is the reason it has made it on many postcards. Originally in Old Goa in the 16th century, of which today only the tallest cross on a pedestal is seen amongst shrubs and coconut groves. The church dedicated to the Mother of God or Our Lady came to be built at Bardez in the 19th century. The Saligao Church was inaugurated on November 26, 1873.

#1. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa

This was constructed in late 1500’s, and consecrated in May 1605. This church has been marked as world heritage. It holds the remains of St Francis Xavier. The bodily remains are kept in a silver casket and is taken done for exposition once every decade and kept in the Se Cathedral. This is one of the oldest churches. People of of all religions visit it, and pray for miracles. The feast is held on 3^rd December every year.

There's certainly some sort of Divine intervention when one visits the churches in Goa.

Image courtesy for Cansaulim Church: Google Images