Churches of Goa

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Collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Rosary

As you approach Old Goa from Panaji, your eyes fall on a fortress like building that rises above the vegetation on the hill. It is the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary built on the spot from which Afonso de Albuquerque directed the re-conquest of Goa on 25 November 1510. In the time of Francis Xavier this was an isolated church on the outskirts of the city, a short quarter of an hour from the centre. Appalled by the ignorance of religious matters in the city, the saint would go with a little bell through the streets and gather children, slaves of both sexes and adults and lead them in a column to the Church of the Rosary. There standing before the altar he taught them their prayers and instructed them in their faith for about two hours at a stretch everyday. More than 300 would frequently listen to him with rapt attention. On Sundays and feast days the crowds were so great that the church could never hold them all.

CHURCH OF ST. CAJETAN
Built in the style of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in c.1655 AD near the Viceroy's Arch at Old Goa, it is well maintained and a splendid example of Christian architecture. It was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines who were sent by the Pope Urban III. Now known as the Church of the Divine Providence. A pastoral college for newly ordained priests is adjacent to it.

OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
It is one of the oldest buildings in Panaji. Founded before 1541 and rebuilt in 1619, it is the focal point of the city's religious feasts.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
Built in 1544-49 at Old Goa in Manueline style, it is the oldest remaining church in Goa. This was built in fulfilment of a vow taken by Afonso de Albuquerque during fight with the Bijapur forces. It bears an inscription about the conquest of Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510.

Church & Convent of St. Monica
This huge, three-storied laterite building was commenced in 1606 and completed in 1627. Once known as the Royal Monastery on account of the royal patronage, which it enjoyed, the building is now used by the Mater dei Institute as a nunnery, which was inaugurated in 1964.The Church of Mae de Deus -At Saligao Bardez, 13 kms. Built in 1873, is situated amidst picturesque surroundings. The shrine of the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus (Mother of God) was brought from the ruins of the convent of Mae de Deus at Old Goa. This beautiful church is the finest piece of gothic style.