Goa is a well-known tourist destination in
India. It is a historic city full of numerous remnants of the bygone era that
offer a detailed insight on the history of the place. If you are in the state
the churches in Goa are just a must-visit. Apart from being highly revered,
their beauty is simply unmatched and certainly are attractions for the
architecture buffs.
Goa is one of the most sought-after tourist
destinations in India. Due to its famous beaches, carnivals and festivals,
relaxed lifestyle, and numerous historical monuments, there is a large and
continuous flow of tourists to the place. It is the state that receives the
highest inflow of international tourists who flock the top places to visit in
Goa year after year. At first, it were the Portuguese who colonized the place,
following them were the hippies, and now beach lovers and travelers who seek to
explore and experience the Portuguese have influenced culture and hospitality of
the place. The dominance of the Portuguese that started in 16th century and
continued till 1961, not only influenced and inspired just the architecture of
the place, but also the food, religion, traditions, and lifestyle of the
locals. Today, the place is amongst the handful of states in India, where exist
a seamless mixture between conventional Indian culture and genuine Portuguese
culture. Old Goa or Vedha Goa is about 10 k.m. from the capital of the state,
Panaji, and is a place full of remnants of the Portuguese colonial era. It
falls within the province of North Goa district and is a place perfect for
heritage walk. The charm of the old and narrow streets that run through the old
bungalows, churches, cafes, and other structures is just bewitching and beckons
one to visit them.
The churches in the state in particular are
highly popular. Goa houses some of the oldest and most beautiful churches and
cathedrals in India. Those who are religious put them high on reverence and
some of the churches carry certain religious or historic significance. For
example, the Se Cathedral Church is the largest Roman Catholic church in Asia,
where it is believed that in 1919 a vision of Jesus Christ appeared in the
church room. If you are in the state, take the opportunity to visit the
following churches in Goa; a visit to them is simply worth.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi - As the name suggests, it is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi
and counts amongst the oldest churches in Goa. It was built in 1661 and is made
up of laterite blocks. It lies on the western side of Se Cathedral and in the
city of Old Goa. Locals visit the church in large masses, making it one of the
most busiest churches in the state. There is a beautiful wooden statue of St.
Francis of Assisi along with statues of Our Lady of Miracles, St. Peter, St.
Paul, and St. Michael. The church is one of the most popular churches and a
must-visit!
Basilica of Bom Jesus - It is perhaps the most revered church in Goa and located in Old
Goa. It is dedicated to infant Jesus, and is a beautiful exhibit of Jesuit
architecture style. The church is also significant as it houses the mortal
remains of St. Francis Xavier that are kept in a casket. There are letters
"HIS" inscribed on the facade, which are the first three letters of
Jesus Christ in Greek. The main altar houses a figure of infant Jesus and is
richly gilded. Above the altar is the statue of St. Ignatius Loyola, the
founder of Jesuits.
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