An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
TOP 10 churches in Panjim and South Goa | Churches & Religious buildings in Goa
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Pour yourself a cup of tea/ coffee ☕ or bookmark it for later: This is going to be a long blog.
Christianity ie. Roman Catholicism to be precise is a result of the Portuguese conquest of Goa and they left no stone unturned in spreading the faith throughout this land. Over a period of 450 years (1510 to 1961), the Portuguese legacy in Goa is clearly visible in its stately and elegant churches, chapels, convents, seminaries and other religious institutions. There are 100s of them across Goa, Daman and Diu that it's not possible to see them all.
One must note however, that in their zeal for spreading Roman Catholicism, the Portuguese branded every other faith as heathen; thus destroying many temples which were dedicated to local deities, and built churches in their place instead. The Goa Inquisition was indeed a horrific chapter in its history.
Tip~ There are a wide number of sects in Christianity. Roman Catholicism like the Protestants is one such sect.
However, my blog is a review from a style, design and heritage perspective rather than politico-religious in nature. Here is a collection of the TOP 10 Portuguese era Churches located in Panjim and South Goa whose architectural grandeur left me awe-struck.
This church is located right in the heart of the capital city, Panaji. What catches one's eye is the interesting zigzag pattern staircase leading to the church. The church is otherwise quite simple, but has immense historical references. The bell you see atop, is the one from Saint Augustine's ruins in Old Goa.
Immaculate Conception Church at Panjim
After a perilous journey at sea, Portuguese sailors wanted to thank God for delivering them safely to Goa. So a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Conception was built for this purpose in 1541. It took shape into a church in 1691. The architecture is a blend of European Baroque and traditional goan style.
Tip~ According to the Portuguese dictates~ in keeping with the austerity of the structure, the color code for churches was always white. Administrative buildings and residential houses were other shades except white
#2 The Archbishop's Palace at Altinho, 1894
Altinho means 'Hilltop' in Portuguese. This was an elite residential area, and still is to this day. Among the notable buildings located here are the State Chief Minister's residence, Archbishop's Palace, Portuguese Consulate, High Court, All India Radio station and Maruti mandir.
The Archbishop's Palace is unfortunately not open for visitors, as it's basically now the Diocesan administrative office. There is a 7am daily Konkani mass in the chapel if you wish to attend. Pope John Paul II stayed here during his visit to Goa in 1999.
South Goa or Salcete (as it is known by locals) was taken over by the Portuguese around 1519. Thereafter they converted and built churches here.
#3 Holy Spirit Church, Margao, 1675
The church that we see today was built in 1675. Like others, this church too is a fine example of European Baroque style architecture. What particularly caught my eye is the intricately carved main door in green. The building in laterite stones looks like an imposing fortress.
Holy Spirit church, Maragao (façade)
Inside the church, at the main altar is the gold gilded ornamental screen (reredos) from top to bottom which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
#4 Rachol Seminary and Church, 1609
About 9 kms from Margao is Rachol Seminary and Church. Read more…
#5 Menino Jesus church, Colva, 1635
While the church is dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, it is known by all as Menino Jezu church i.e. Infant Jesus. The church is located nearby Colva beach, and a convenient stop when visiting here. This too was first a chapel built by the Jesuit priests in 1630 and eventually made into a church in 1635.
Besides the usual feast day on 8/Sept, the church also celebrates a traditional Fama De Menino Jesus feast on 24 Oct which is based on a legend about some fishermen spotting the wooden carved image of Infant Jesus floating in the sea. The devout claim this image as miraculous.
Below image is a representation of Mary and the infant Jesus.
This Mother of God image in wood denotes Mary with the infant Jesus. It is displayed at the State Museum located at Adil Shah's palace in Panjim
Tip~ churches dedicated to Mother Mary (Our Lady) celebrate feast days on 8th Sept which is the birthday of Our Lady.
#6 Our Lady of the Rosary, Navelim, 1597
This church is located nearby Margao, and is unmistakably striking for it's Manueline style of architecture. Its founder was a French priest of the Jesuit order. Around 17th century the Portuguese faced stiff resistance from the Marathas, who came down on it during 1717 and 1739. It was later restored by local parishioners.
Our lady of Rosary church at Navelim in the Manueline style. Manueline is typically a Portuguese style of architecture named after King Dom Manuel I of Portugal.
#7 Holy Cross church, Verna, 1568
The Portuguese apparently arrived in Salcete i.e South Goa much later, and this church is Interestingly built around the place where the first mass was served.
#8 Our Lady of Hope Church, Chinchinim, 1590
The place is named after a local deity called 'Chinchinath', whose temple is said to have been destroyed by the Portuguese.
An ornamental crucifix around the church precincts
The church of Our Lady of Hope was built by the Jesuits in 1590. 300 locals were baptised (converted) at the first liturgical mass that was held in this church. This church, like the one in Navelim, was destroyed by the Marathas in 1739 and rebuilt again.
An ornamental base and crucifix around the church precincts
#9 St. Jacinto church, St. Jacinto Island (VASCO) 1731
St. Jacinto Islet near Vasco held my imagination for a while, until I stopped by to visit the church of St. Jacinto. The church which seemed quite like a chapel is a quaint looking humble structure. Watch out for the beautiful altar of the crucified Christ and the pulpit, both in dark wood.
An altar depicting Christ's crucifixion at St.Jacinto church, located near Vasco, GOA
Other than that St. Jacinto Island is highly overrated and residents are quite fed up with the rif-rafs who sit on the bridge, get drunk and litter the place.
#11 St. Lawrence the Martyr church, Agacaim, 1565
This too started out as a chapel in 1541. A church was later built in its place by the Jesuits in 1565. The bell in the belfry tower above is taken from the Chorao seminary (1871).
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