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Churches of Goa

Located in Old Goa, the Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument. It is the most a, perhaps Goa's most famous church and among the most revered by Christians worldwide. The church built in 1605 A.D. is the only church in Old Goa, which is not plastered on the outside. The magnificent edifice stands as a superb example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is called Bom Jesus meaning good or infant Jesus to whom it is dedicated. The imposing facade, though very simple, is built out of black granite in an exquisite combination of the Doric, Corinthian and composite styles. The interior of the church is built in Mosaico-Corinthian style and is remarkable for its charming simplicity. The body of St Francis Xavier lies in a silver casket in the Church of Bom Jesus. There are many legends regarding the body of the great saint. The body has not decomposed for centuries now and earlier it would be kept out for the people to worship it every ten years. Also that the body has healing powers and can cure any illness is believed by the people of Goa.

Constructed in 1555 on banks of the Mandovi River, in Panaji, the church is dedicated to three Magi Kings. It was once the residence of top dignitaries and also a mission centre of the Franciscan order. This fine historical monument was also dedicated to St Jerome. The small hamlet of Reis Magos has rich colourful and impressive interiors with the highlight being the multi-coloured wood relief showing the three wise men (Reis Magos) bearing gifts to the baby Jesus, which is the centerpiece of the elaborately carved and painted reredos behind the high altar. Every year on the 6th of January, Reis Magos comes alive with the colourful Festival of Reis Magos, when the story of the three Kings is re-enacted by local youth playing the parts.

One of the oldest Churches of Goa, this church was built on the holy hill of Old Goa in 1550. The Church represents a fusion of European and Indian elements; while the wall frescos reveal Hindu designs, those on the alabaster tomb of Dona Catherine, the first Portuguese woman demonstrate the impact of the Muslim-Bijapur style. Built of laterite and plastered with lime mortar, it has a two-storied portico. The roof of the church is tiled, supported by wooden rafters and a wooden cross over it. The exteriors of the church are Manuline in style though Gothic influence can be seen in the rib-vault at the portico.

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