A Trip To Old Goa
Distance : 9km from Panaji
¤ Old Goa- The Erstwhile
capital of the Portuguese
 Old
Goa, the erstwhile capital of the Portuguese, that rivalled Lisbon in
the 16th century, is now but a dilapidated old village.
But this old town is definitely a must see. The town is almost an
archeological museum with its spectacular cathedrals (including Sé
Cathedral which is said to be the biggest church in Asia) and various
other monuments. Some buildings are rather dilapidated while others
are being maintained by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India).
¤ Renaissance Architecture
St Catherine’s Cathedral or Sé Cathedral,Sé
Cathedral is believed to be the largest church in Asia, it has an 80m
long isle, and four chapels on either side of the church. The
cathedral was once crowned by two towers, one of which collapsed in
1776. The remaining tower still stands tall and supports a lovely old
bell. With a little imagination, it is possible to try and picture the
edifice with both the towers intact; that lends a semblance of
symmetry to the edifice. Try it. The main altar is beautifully gilded,
and showcases paintings on the life of St Catherine of Alexandria.
There is an art gallery in the church and the view from the top of the
tower is not to be missed.
The Convent and Church of St Francis of Assisi is situated within the
compound of the St Catherine’s Cathedral. The church is built in
the Portuguese Gothic style of architecture, marked by two octagonal
towers. It is a beautiful old structure with a stucco ceiling, some
noteworthy woodwork and frescos which are an interesting mix of the
European and Indian style. The convent has been converted into an
Archeological Museum, which houses some portraits and a fine range of
stone sculptures from different periods of Goan history.
The imposing, brown laterite Basilica of Bom Jesus houses the body of
St Francis Xavier – the founder of the Jesuits’ Order. The
church was built in 1605, and is stark and simple in beauty. The
Basilica is highly revered and a large number of pilgrims visit the
shrine every year. The façade of the monument is especially
remarkable, while the interiors are somewhat plain; with the exception
of the beautiful altar and the striking baroque columns. The church
also houses an art gallery.
¤ Other Churches In The Region
Some other churches are worth a visit as well. The ‘Holy Hill’
houses the Church of our Lady of the Rosary. Built in 1526, it is one
of the oldest churches in Goa, and has some interesting frescos with
Hindu and Islamic designs. The triple-storeyed monument of the Convent
of St Monica, was believed to be one of the largest convents under the
Portuguese Empire. Built in the early 17th century, the convent has a
huge courtyard with a garden in the centre. Today the monument is a
centre for theological studies. The Church of St Cajetan is yet
another beautiful church, built in 1665 by a few Italian friars. It is
modelled on St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This grand monument with
its two belfries and a dome in the centre, stands close to the pretty
ferry wharf. |
