Explore Old Goa and Divar island: Do-it-yourself guided itinerary

‘Goem’ as it is known by locals is located 12 kms from Panaji on the NH-4A. Ideally set aside one day to cover the churches at leisure. There are regular local buses that ply on this route.

 

Unfortunately, there aren’t any decent stay options, besides the GTDC Old Goa.

 

Before the plague of the 18th CE. Old Goa was a prosperous city. The grandeur is still reflected in the lavish Portuguese Manueline, Baroque and Corinthian style churches. The area is extensive and the churches are overwhelming. 

 

Tip~ following the below sequence will help save time and effort.

 

If you wish to learn more about Life in Goa during the Portuguese rule and How Christianity spread in Goa, do click the above links.

 

Saint Augustine’s ruins 

This ruined church complex has been painfully restored by ASI. It is located on the Holy Hill (take right from Basilica of Bom Jesus)

Museum of Christian art 

Located on Holy hill (opp. St Augustine’s ruins) and within the building of the Convent of Santa Monica is the Museum of Christian art. Far too many tourists skip this place. I was in awe of the priceless exhibits which include paintings, statues, and jewelry. Open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Tabernacle monstrance, silver on wood, glass. 17th century, displayed at Museum of Christian art, Old Goa.
The speherical base is symbolises The Universe. The pelican (bird) with open wings is a symbol of parental love. This symbol is transposed to Christ (his death & resurrection) as the bird is depicted pecking it's breast The encircled halo for the host this signifies it as saving mankind.

I was also in awe of the convents, chapels and the peace of the area around Holy Hill in general. 

The door of The Royal Convent of St Anthony located on Holy hill, Old Goa

Our Lady of the Rosary, Holy Hill, Old Goa 

One of the earliest churches in Goa, Our Lady of the Rosary church was built in 1543. By virtue of the architecture being completely Manueline, a style named after Dom Manuel I, King of Portugal, this is the only true Portuguese style church in Goa.

Note the narthex* element with the tower on top, that was typical of early Christian churches. Other elements include the rope-like mouldings and Solomonic columns.

*Narthex- is an lobby/ entrance area

Basilica of Bom Jesus 

This 408 years old Basilica is famous for the tomb of St.Francis Xavier. Most striking is the elaborate gilded altar and the silver casket with the body of the saint. There are also elaborate chapels within the church.

 

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa

There are masses held here every Sunday morning, and the Basilica is open for public viewing.

Se Cathedral 

Located opposite the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral looks just as grand and imposing. It is the largest church in Goa and also has several chapels within. Adjoining the Cathedral is a museum where you can spend some time. There is a lawn surrounding where you can rest.

Main door of Se Cathedral, Old Goa

Church of St. Cajetan 

Walk ahead of Se Cathedral toward the Old Goa ferry point, and you won’t miss this one! The striking Corinthian style Church of St. Cajetan is considered to have been modeled as a replica of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

 

Corinthian style ceiling of St. Cajetan's Church, Old Goa

Within the compound is the gate of Adil Shah's palace, a reminder of Goa's pre-Portuguese history.

Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount 

Location : 1 km uphill from Church of St Cajetan atop the Monte.

It was a bit tiring uphill climb, but totally worth it; a hidden gem often skipped by tourists. What I expected to be a chapel was actually a grand looking church in Mannerist Baroque syle of architecture. The large flight of stairs leading up makes this place all the more dramatic. 

But that's not all, the view of the Mandovi meandering below is just amazing.

View of the Mandovi river from Our Lady of the Mount church, Old Goa

This church was especially ordered to be built by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1513 in gratitude to the Virgin Mary, who he believed helped him escape from another expedition to Kamaran island.

Chapel of St.Catherine of Alexandria 

Right behind Se Cathedral is this simplistic chapel is early renaissance style. The chapel was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over Goa in 1510.

Viceroy’s Arch 

Ahead of St. Cajetan’s church, towards the river ferry point, is the Viceroy’s Arch. The arch has a statue of Vasco da Gama at the centre. It was built in commemoration of the great explorer Vasco da gama, by his great grandson Francisco da gama.

 

Viceroy's gate, Old Goa

The Old Goa jetty is right in front. Here is where you can get ferries that drop you at Piedade Ferry Terminal on Divar Island. Ferry timings: 7 AM till 8 PM (Free ) and nominal charge for vehicles.

Tip~ A two wheeler or vehicle is indeed a blessing, if you want to explore Divar island. Otherwise you will have a long wait time for the buses.

Explore Divar Island 

Divar is a charming little island, quiet and quaint looking. As you go about the island the sight of remarkable beautiful colonial homes will catch your eye. Many homes keep fruits from their trees (like jackfruits, coconuts and kokum) on the front in case you wish to buy them. 

 

The rivulet streams around the island are a feast for the eyes. After finding a nice quiet place beside a stream overcast by palm trees, we sat and enjoyed our chips, snacks and a beer or two that we carried in our backpack. Pure bliss!

 

On our return, we stopped at Our Lady Of Piety church (which was closed ). The view of the Mandovi river from here is just as good. 

 

A short distance from this church is St. Pedros Ferry Point. We took the ferry that dropped us at Ribandar Ferry Terminal opposite. Panjim is a shorter distance from here.

 

Thanks for reading! 

  

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