History suggests that “church building” was the major occupations of the early Portuguese people. Infact, Vasco da Gama’s mission for traveling to India was to “seek Christians and spices”. Irrespective of the legends and fables, India is host to a number of churches built in the early 15th, 16th and 17th century A.D.

Built from laterite and lime plaster, these ancient churches are architectural masterpieces in themselves. Since Goa is home to a number of Goans who are Christians, the “church” plays a major role in their social, cultural and religious lives. For instance, the church has a huge contribution since ancient times in the education of the masses. The intricate works on the churches have hints of both the renaissance and the baroque styles.

Popular Churches and Cathedrals in Goa
Listed below are some of the most popular churches and cathedrals in Goa:

• The Se Cathedral: This cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine as it was on her day of the feast, that is, the 25th November 1510 that Goa was conquered by Alfonso de Albuquerque. The “cross of miracles” is the main attraction of the Se Cathedral. The Se cathedral has a Portuguese Gothic finish while the outside has a Tuscan and the inside a Corinthian order. It was much earlier that the relics of St. Francis Xavier were displayed here for the public.
• Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi: This church is part of the archaeological museum and was built as early as in 1521. The church is built of lime plastered laterite and has a convent built by Franciscan Friars where the church merges with Se Cathedral. All antique prehistoric remnants like paintings, artifacts and sculptors are now part of the convent which was closed in 1835 and reconverted into a museum in 1964.
• Basilica of Born Jesus: 9 kilometers from Panaji, this laterite edifice is world famous and was built as early as in 1605. The church is regarded to be the first church which rose to the status of a minor Basilica in 1946. The church is a fine example of Jesuit architecture. What makes the church so popular are the sentiments attached with the then St. Francis Xavier whose tomb and mortal remains still form part of the church properties.
• Church of Our Lady of Rosary: This church is also located about 8 kilometers from Panaji. Most churches like this one were built as early as 15th, 16th and 17th centuries when Goa became a part of the Portuguese Colony. The Church of Our Lady Rosary was built in 1544, one of the oldest churches in Goa. The church is quiet simply designed with influence of the Manueline style architecture. While the roofs have wooden rafts, the Church also reflects Gothic influence especially at the portico.
• Church of St. Augustine: Church of St. Augustine is built on top of the so called holy hill by about 12 Augustian Friars after they arrived in Goa in 1572 A.D. The 46m high bell tower which is one of the most attractive ruins prevailing today. In 1871, the bell was removed and the tower caved in 1931. Later in 1938, some additional parts of the tower gave way. In 1842 the church collapsed leaving the government no option to sell off the materials of the church and to preserve the church as a much acclaimed ruin in 1843.

The above churches are some among the rest of the existing churches in Old Goa. The churches are open to visitors since morning till evening without having to pay any entrance fees. Goa is well connected by rail, road and air from different cities like Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Kochi, Bangalore and the closest being Mumbai.

Goa churches are not only an example of indigenous architecture left behind by the Portuguese but an extreme sense of bonding that the Goans share with them. If you wish to set your hearts and mind free, allow these churches which have stood since centuries to shoulder your burdens for life.