The charm of Goan Churches

Little remains of this majestic church built by the Augustinian friars at Old Goa in 1602. Though the church collapsed due to neglect in 1842, the enormous 46m-high belfry tower still stands tall.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous through out the Roman Catholic world, as it contains the relics of St.Francis Xavier. This is the only church in Old Goa, which is not plastered on the exterior.

The most romantic church of all... the church of Our Lady of Immaculate in Panaji is the most picturised church in Bollywood movies.

The bishop's chair, once the seat of power, now rests in the church museum in Reigos near Madgaon.

In Goa the presence of religion is all the more pronounced. There is a shrine on every street corner and a church in every locality.

The magnificient guilded interiors of the Se Cathedral in Old Goa.

Built by Italian friars, the St.Cajetan church is modelled after the St.Pauls Basilica in Rome.

The true glory of Old Goa can be witnessed in the church dedicated to St Catherine. At over 76 mts long and 55 mts wide, Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia. Its 'Golden Bell' renowned for its rich tone, can be heard from 5kms.

Behind Se Cathedral, is the Church of St Francis of Assisi, which has the most beautiful interiors among the churches in Old Goa.

Text & Pic by: Levine Lawrence