The churches of Goa are not just religious places where people come to offer their prayer, rather they are reminiscent of the era in the Goan history when Portuguese held sway of this small Indian state. Almost all the churches in Goa were built by the Portuguese during their five hundred years domination. As such these churches are in a way a legacy of the Portuguese.

Se Cathedral

Built by the Portuguese Viceroy, Redondo, this Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine who is considered a martyr. The Cathedral has faced numerous problems during its construction as well as after it and finally completed in eighty years. However, it was only in 1640 that it was consecrated. The church is built in Tuscan style and is huge in its size. One of the chapel of the cathedral displays the Cross of Miracles which, as per its name, is believed to have extra ordinary powers to treat a person. It is also believed to grow in size. In past, it was in this cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were kept for the people to have a look.

Church of St Francis of Assisi

In Panjim itself, a little distance away from the Se Cathedral is the church of St Francis of Assisi. The church traces its origin to the sincere efforts of eight Franciscan Friars whose continuous perseverance got them the possession of the few of the houses of a deceased Thanadar. Initially a small chapel was built and later a church was constructed in 1517. However the present church was built in 1661 and has nothing except the entrance of the old church. The convent at the back of the church is a museum today which can be visited to discover various archaeological relics.

Goa Basilica of Born Jesus

This is yet another architectural genius worth visiting. Situated in the Old Goa, this church was built in 1605 and is now declared a world heritage site. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of Goa, St Francis Xavier. It is said that a year after the death of the saint on his way to China, his remains were brought back to Goa. Much to the surprise of the people, it was found that the body of the saint was as intact and fresh as it was at the time of burial. Today, the exposition of the body attracts innumerable tourists from far and wide who come to experience its magical healing power like the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1878.

The Church of our Lady of the Rosary

To the west of Basilica of the Born Jesus, is the Church of our Lady of the Rosary situated at the top of the ‘Holy Hill’. This church is the oldest one in Goa and is dedicated to the Lady of Immaculate conception. The architecture of the church is Manuline with a bit of Gothic influence. There are two chapels and three alters in the church. On the right side of the main alter, there is the Cenotaph built in the remembrance of Dona Catarina, whose marriage with Viceroy Garcia De Sa was formalized by St. Francis Xavier. The cenotaph is exquisitely ornate with miniature pillars, inscriptions and a vase.

The Church and Convent of St Monica

En route to the church of of Our Lady of the Rosary, is another church known as the Church and convent of St Monica. The church was originally built between the period of 1606 -1627, though after a fire caused immense damage to the building in1636, it had to be rebuilt. It is a three storeyed building of late rite with a large courtyard inside. The courtyard is surrounded by numerous cells and halls which are decorated with paintings. Known as the Royal monastery in the past, the building is now used by by the Mater dei Institute as a nunnery.