Goa Churches and Convents

Monuments and Churches. By cruisingindia.com on Mar 27, 2007.

Goa Churches and Convents Images

Goa Church Architecture

Built of laterite and lime plaster, most convents and cathedrals exemplify late Renaissance – early Baroque, Manueline or Gothic styles. The detailed ornamentation within the walls adds to the beauty of these structures. These convents also demonstrate the evangelization of Asia with the spread of missions influencing the architecture within the shrines. Most of the popular churches are listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and evokes great interest amongst tourists for their architectural beauty and history. Most of these churches are located in old Goa and are open throughout the year.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most popular holy shrine. Every year tourists throng to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which enshrines the tomb of the Jesuit missionary, Saint Francis Xavier. The Saint arrived in Goa in 1542 and was canonized in 1622. His mortal remains have been preserved till date within the church complex. An annual event, the third day of December is hosted as the day of the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier. The Saint’s finger is exhibited to the public on this day. The body of Saint Francis Xavier is showcased publicly once every ten years, the last was in 2004. The other prominent holy sites are the Se’ Cathedral, the Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, the Chapel of St. Catherine, the Church of our Lady of Rosary and the Church of St. Augustine.

Each of the convent or cathedral is unique yet follows design basics of one of the architectural styles. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is considered an architectural masterpiece with its explicit design and style. The Se’ Cathedral boasts of Tuscan exteriors. The Corinthian columns with its elevated platform and steps that lead to the entrance and cask vault spells of Renaissance influence within its architecture. The paintings within the churches have been set on wooden borders and between floral designed panels. Most churches have the statutes of Saints, Mother Mary and Jesus adorning the altars as wood carvings which have been painted upon as was the trend.

Goa Churches

Basilica of Bom Jesus: This Jesuit Cathedral is a towering structure that landmarks the old city of Goa. The basilica was blessed and dedicated to the Infant Jesus in 1605 AD. Since 1655 AD, the cathedral has retained the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa and an Apostle of the Indies. The patron saint was also lovingly called Goencho Sahib by the people of Goa.
The chapel is adorned with pictures illustrating the life and miracles of the saint. The casket which holds the earthly remains of the saint was created by local silversmiths in Goa under the supervision of Father Marco Mastrilli S.J; likewise the casket is called the Mastrillian casket. The construction of the casket was completed on December 2nd, 1637.

There is a three meter high statue of St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. The altar bears memoirs to Our Lady of Mercy and St Michael. A memorial to Dom Jeronimos Mascarenhas, the captain of Cochin and Ormuz, the patron of the church lies near the northern wall. The Duke of Tuscany was actively involved in building this three tiered bier cathedral. He is said to have built the tomb in return for a pillow on which the head of Saint Francis Xavier lay for many years after his death.
Built in black laterite, the exterior façade of this three-tier cathedral combines the Doric, Corinthian and Composite style of architecture and is divided into four parts. The structure, designed by the Florence based architect, Giovanni Batista Foggini is said to have been brought from Italy and built up in Goa in the 1698 AD.

The entrance to the cathedral is beneath the choir area and supported by columns. The body of the Basilica is spacious with the bottom part characterized by three entrances. Three large windows correspond to each of the three entrances while a third section differentiates itself by three circular windows. The fourth part is a quadrangle with arabesque decorations. The interior design detail represents the simplicity of the Mosaic-Corinthian styles.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Chapel of St Catherine: Located to the west of the Se Cathedral is the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The structure was converted into a church in 1521 AD and was dedicated to the Holy Spirit in AD 1602. First built in 1510, the church was rebuilt from 1521 onwards on the site of what was said to be a mosque. The interiors of this church is said to be the most exquisite of all the churches in Goa. The remains of the painted ceiling and the 17th century wall paintings in the chancel add to the brilliance of the structure.
The floor of the church is covered with Portuguese tombstones. A Manueline doorway and octagonal towers flank the façade breaking up the more continuous Baroque nature of the building. The convent in ancient times served as residence for monks and underwent many design changes in 1559 AD. The Portuguese government finally closed the convent in 1835 AD. In 1964, Archaeological Survey of India converted the church into a museum. Exhibits include paintings, artifacts, and pieces from Hindu temple sculptures from Goa.

With a combination of the Tuscan style on the exterior, the interior of the church is a combination of the Corinthian Mosaic styles. The interior sections of the church are gilded with scenes from the Bible and wall frescoes that display intricate floral designs. The alcove of the façade holds the statue of St Michael and a wooden statue of St Francis Assisi adorns the pedestal in one of its chapel. A heavily carved alcove with a tabernacle is supported by four evangelists and can be seen in the main altar. Two large statues – one of Jesus on the Cross and one of St Francis Assisi – are placed above the tabernacle.

A narrow road west of the Assisi church leads to the Chapel of St Catherine. Dedicated to St Catherine, it marks the suppression of Goa by Alfonso Albuquerque on November 25th 1510 AD which is celebrated as St Catherine’s Day. On the altar, dedicated to St Catherine stands the statue of Our Lady of the Piety. In 1550 AD the then Governor Jorge enlarged the chapel which was elevated to its status as Cathedral by Pope Paul III in 1534 AD. It remained so until the construction of the new Se Cathedral. Remains near the chapel show the existence of the Royal Hospital established by Alfonso Albuquerque in 1511 AD, further renovated in 1952.

Se Cathedral: One of the largest cathedrals in Asia, the Se Cathedral was built in the 16th century AD by the Roman Catholic order of Goa under Portuguese rule. The original mud, stones and straw building was dedicated to Saint Catherine to celebrate the capture of Goa by Alfonso Albuquerque on 25th November, widely reckoned as St. Catherine’s Day.

Albuquerque ousted the Muslim army and reclaimed the city of Goa. After numerous alterations, a second church was built in 1515 AD. With the establishment of the Diocese of Goa, the church was made eminent to the status of a cathedral. This structure too was demolished and a new building reinstated. The construction of the Cathedral which began in 1562 took 62 years and was finally completed in 1652.

On the exterior, the Cathedral combines the Tuscan and Doric style displaying the popular interior trends of the Mosaic-Corinthian styles. The façade rises 115.66 feet to the crowning cross.

The nave is 72 feet high. The entrance bears the baptismal font where Saint Francis Xavier is said to have baptized thousands of local converts in Goa. In ancient times, the cathedral was characterized by two bell towers. With the collapse of the northern tower in 1776, there exists one tower with five bells which include the famous and biggest bell in the world, the ‘golden bell’ in the Southern tower.

There are four chapels and six altars on each side of the Cathedral. The primary chapel has three altars with three niches placed one above another. The images on these niches are that of the St Catherine, Nossa Senhora d’Assumptio and the Crucified Christ. Images of St Peter and St Paul stand on either sides of the altar. The martyrdom of St Catherine of Alexandria is depicted in its engravings. In the vicinity are the remains to the famous Palace of Inquisition, the Senate House and the Estancia Real de Tobacco or Royal Depot of Tobacco. There are ruins to the Royal Palace and its gateway in front of the Church of Diving Providence, or the Church of St Cajetan, as it is popularly known.

The doorway displays Indo-Muslim influence and the remains of a Muslim tomb and mosques.
While the chapels to the left are dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Necessidades, St Sebastian, and the Blessed Sacrament and to Nossa Senhora de Boa Vida, the chapels to the right are dedicated to St Anthony, St Bernard, the Cruz dos Milagres or the Miraculous Cross and the Holy Ghost.

Church and Convent of St Augustine: An isolated 46 meters high tower marks the existence of this convent which is but a skeletal image of the old square towers and the treat church. Today both the church and the convent are in ruins yet, impressive in its historical allure. The convent was said to have been built by twelve Augustian friars in 1572 AD. Considered one of Goa’s ancient and richest convents, the massive adjoining church and its vaulted nave was an example in itself. The church was constructed in 1602 AD. A decade later Father Gaspar de Sao Vicente rebuilt the convent and dedicated it to Our Lady of Grace.

In 1835 AD, a ban on the religious order by the Portuguese government led to the Augustinian buildings being abandoned. The vault of the church eventually collapsed in 1842 AD. Today one can see the bell tower sans the bell. The bell was taken to the Fort Aguada Light House in 1841 where it remained until 1871 AD. It was eventually moved to the church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception at Panaji and is functional till date.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception: Built in 1514 AD, the church finds place in the heart of Panaji, Goa’s most sought after tourist destinations. In 1600 AD, the church attained its present status and was renovated in 1619 AD. The church’s bell is next in size to that of the Se Cathedral, and was originally brought from the ruined Augustinian monastery in Old Goa. The church is characterized by a Church Square. The entrance to the church is composed of red laterite steps enjoined in whites that create a dazzling pattern. The three altars within the sanctuary of the church exhibit Baroque craftsmanship.

A chapel dedicated to St Francis Xavier lies on the south side of the church.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary:The Church of Our Lady of Rosary stands atop the western side of Monte Santo, or the Holy hill, which overlooks Divar Island and the Mandovi River. This site is believed to be the place where Alfonso de Albuquerque led his troops to victory in 1510 AD. In the 1950’s, a plaque was dedicated to this conquest at the site. In 1543, the original convent was bestowed the status of a Parish church and entrusted in the care of the Franciscans. It is said that St. Francis Xavier preached catechism in this church and people gathered around him at the sound of a little bell he rang.

The church lies very close to the convents of St Monica and St Augustine and is considered one of the oldest complete structures to have survived in the old city of Goa. With a fortress like appearance the church has openings in its wall to thwart out invaders. The church’s architecture is a blend of Manueline, later Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The church bears resemblance to churches in Portugal such as that of the Church of Madelena of Olivenca, famous for its large square tower facade. The tombstone of Garcia de Sa, one of the earlier Governors of Goa lies in front of the altar. The interior has five altars. The main altar bears the image of Nossa Senhora de Rozario or Our Lady of the Rosary. The church’s external Romanesque simplicity is in contrast to the rich late Gothic decoration in its interiors. The church marks the beginning of Indo-Portuguese art and is open to the public only on special occasions. The church also encrypts the tomb of Dona Catarina, wife of the Viceroy Garcia de Sa.

Church of Our Lady of Miracles:The Church of Our Lady of Miracles is located in Mapusa, and was constructed in 1594. The architecture has a delicate Baroque façade with three altars within – the main altar being dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Milagres. The intricately carved ceiling is patterned with wooden strips. The image of Nossa Senhora de Milagres is revered by both the Hindu and Christians. The church which was restored following a disastrous fire in 1838, but was once again damaged in 1961 when the Portuguese tried to blow up a nearby bridge in their attempt to resist India’s fight in liberating Goa.

Chapel of St Anthony: Located close to the church of Our Lady of Rosary, this chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of Portugal. Once a royal chapel, the statue of St Anthony was ordained the rank of captain in the Portuguese army. It is said that the statue was regularly taken in a solemn procession to the State Treasury Office where the treasurer would respectfully deposit the salary due in the hands of the statue. A small chapel, it has one nave flanked by passages around it. The main altar has a vaulted layered ceiling similar to one at the church of St Francis of Assisi.

Church of the Holy Spirit: Built in 1564 AD and located in the port town of Margao, the church was burnt down by the Muslim rule in 1571. It was later rebuilt but demolished once again in 1645. The structure was rebuilt and finally completed in 1675. This church with ten altars has a façade of Ionic columns flanked by two towers. The two small chapels within the complex are dedicated to Archangel Michael and to the saints- St Roque and St Peter.

Church of Our Lady of Mount: Situated high up on the hillock opposite the Se Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady of the Mound is a minor yet popular church. Stone steps lead up to the top of the hillock and offers tourists a splendid view of the churches surrounding the mound. It is said that Albuquerque’s force was vanquished by the artillery of Yusuf Ali Adil Shah. At a later date and time in 1510, Albuquerque re conquered Goa and commissioned Our Lady of the Mound as his victory offering. The feast day of the lady is celebrated on the eight day of September.

Church of Reis Magos: This church is built on the right banks of the Mandovi River in Verem or Bardez. Built in 1555 AD, the church is dedicated to the Three Magic Kings – the three Viceroys who sacrificed their lives while on service in Goa and are buried here. The annual feast of Reis Magos is celebrated on the sixth day of January. The Magos church served as a home to the dignitaries of the Franciscan order. The Reis Magos fort prison is next door to the church and evokes some interest amongst tourists.

Church of St Anne (Santana): Completed in AD 1695, this church lies on the right banks of the Siridao River, close to the Pilar Seminary and its picturesque surroundings. The church location at Talaulim is dedicated to St Ana, the grandmother of Jesus Christ and is one of the best surviving Baroque churches in Goa. The uniqueness of the church that its walls are hollow, to provide secret pathways to the confession chambers. A Sunday visit to the church is highly recommended.

Church of St Cajetan: Built by the Italian friars of the Theatine order in 1656 AD, the church is enclosed within the ruins of the Viceregal Palace. It is the only surviving domed church in Goa. The church is considered a miniature version and has been inspired by the Basilica of St Peter in Rome. The external Corinthian style of architecture compliments the interior Mosaico-Corinthian details. The church was in recent times renovated by the Pastoral Centre for its liturgical services.

In the middle of the nave, directly under the cupola, is a well that is covered barring a small opening. The green grass patch on the cupola is attributed to the moisture originating from this well.

Church and Convent of St Monica: Practically decayed, this was Goa’s only convent for nuns. The construction started on the holy hill in AD 1606 and reached completion in 1627. A fire in AD 1620 rummaged the building which took fifteen years to rebuild. The convent is Asia’s largest training center for Catholic nuns. At present this building serves as the Master Dei Institute used by nuns of various orders for their theological studies.

The massive church and convent met the needs of the 150 cloistered nuns from the retreat of Nossa Senhora de Serra. The building encloses vast corridors, vaulted ceilings, a courtyard called ’Vale de Liro’ and a three-storey palazzo style building. The palazzo includes the nun’s cells, penance rooms and a dungeon. It is said that the ’penitents’, voluntarily or through persuasion, tormented themselves with ropes, leather straps and iron nails.

The ’recalcitrant’ were cast in the dungeon, and here the Rodeira or the chief nun held the keys to the outer door of the cloister and dealt with nuns, jailed for life. Until the 19th century, a turntable with a hand bell was placed at the entrance to the nunnery. It is known that illegitimate children were deposited here in the dead of night. When the bell rang, the Rodeira would turn the table through an opening in the wall, pull the unwanted child and have him baptized. Now dismantled, the turntable is long gone and the walls whitewashed and with it all memories of this practice cease to exist.

Church and Convent of St John of God: Dedicated to Our Lady of Good Success, this church built in 1685 AD stands next to the church of St Augustine. The church lost its importance until 1834 when the building was bought over by the nuns of St Monica. The order of the St Monica nuns used the church complex as residence for their chaplains and confessors.

Relatively simple in style, the church and convent was restored to its original glory under the Portuguese rule just before they were expelled from Goa. An old age home run by Franciscan nuns now occupies the church and convent.

St Alex Church: Situated in Calangute, this is one of Goa’s oldest churches and overlooks the main road to Mapusa. It was built in 1597 on the site of a Hindu shrine called Ravalnath as can be seen in the remains.

Our Lady of Mercy: Located in the beach town of Colva, this church was founded in 1630. Rebuilt once again in the eighteenth century on the village square, it houses one of Goa’s most venerated cult objects- the miraculous statue of "Menino" Baby Jesus.

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