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.
One of Goa's important institutions, the famous and magnificent churches is largely a legacy of Portuguese colonization. Church building was one of the main occupations of the early Portuguese and in fact one of Vasco da Gama's main missions. The most visible legacy of the Portuguese is their churches, not only the imposing monuments, but also more typically white- washed facades nestling among palm trees. Goan Churches have a typical 16th century European architecture with Gothic style influence. The Baroque style architecture also has been heavily used in these churches, with exaggerated interior decorations and intricate details of ornamentation emphasized by gilding and accompanied by sculptured figures.
A relatively simple church by the standards of the time is one of the first churches built on the Goan soil. The earlier church, built in 1541 was completely re-built from its foundations in 1619. The main altar dedicated to dedicated to Mary Immaculate is very impressive and also the two flanking altars which catch the eye. Each is a riot of heavily gilded, deeply carved ornamentation, yet compact and controlled, a fine example of the period. At the side of each is a marble statue, one of St Peter and one of St Paul.
The church in Old Goa is dedicated to the original builder of this church, the origin of which can be traced back to 1517. A church consecrated to the Holy Ghost was built in 1521 and was later pulled down and the present church was built on the same spot in 1661 retaining only the entrance of the earlier church. The church faces west and has a nave with three chapels on sides, a choir, two altars in the transept and a main altar.
Goa is an ancient city. Goa has several imposing forts, though most of them lie in ruins today. The forts were built mainly by the Bahamani dynasty and the Portuguese. Most of the forts are not in good conditions due to negligence or the weather conditions. But most of them are near the beaches and worth a visit. Compared to Indian standards, Goan forts are very small in size. Nonetheless, these are historic specimen of immense military, political and economic importance in a land crisscrossed by rivers and canals and bordered by sea on the west.
This ancient temple built in the 12th century by the Kadamba dynasty is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Approximately 65 km from Panaji in a small village of Tambi Surla the temple has survived the Muslim and Portuguese invasions because of its remote placement. Built in Jain style, the temple is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The size of the temple is quite small as compared to the size of the average Goan temple and the top part of the temple has never been completed. The temple is located at the foot of the Anmod Ghat, which connects Goa to the state of Karnataka. It is a small, beautifully carved and perfectly proportioned black basalt temple with Lord Shiva in the Lingam form. The intricate carvings created by the craftsmen adorn the interior and the sides of the building. The temple faces east so that the rays of the rising sun fall on the deity at the crack of dawn. Bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, with their respective consorts appear on panels at the sides of the temple.
Probably the most famous of all the temples in Goa is the Mangesh temple. Located 21 km from Panaji in Priol, the temple is nearly 500 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Lingam. The shifting of the deity took place in the year 1560, fearing the Portuguese inquisition and was placed here. The surrounding area is known as Mangeshi due to the temple. The temple architecture is a mix of Hindu, Christian and Muslim influences and is lit up in magnificent lights during the annual Jatra which is held in January.
The Miramar, The Dona Paula, The Calangute, Anjuna Beach and the Sinquerim beach.
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.
Set amidst tranquil forests and hills, the Shantadurga Temple lies 3-km from Ponda in Queula. Shantadurga, one of the consorts of Shiva, is a form of Durga (the Goddess of War) and the Goddess of Peace. The Shantadurga Temple was built in 1738, and is the biggest temple in Goa. A distinctive six-storied Deepstambha and chariot with some gilt work adorn the temple grounds. It is interesting to note that amongst some other features of the temple, the dome shows a definite influence of Church architecture. As the Goddess of peace she is placed between the temples of the Destroyer, Lord Shiva and the preserver, Lord Vishnu’s temples.
The Benaulim beach, The Majorda, The Colva beach, The Agonda and The Palolem beach.
The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral, is the cathedral of the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. Located in Old Goa, India, the largest church in India is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. It is one of the oldest and most celebrated religious buildings in Goa and is one of the largest churches in Asia