Basilica of Bom Jesus

Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, built in 1605, is quite a popular place to visit in Goa. The history of this Goan church is as interesting as the beautiful architecture that this church in Goa is proud of. Basilica of Bom Jesus has now been declared a World Heritage Monument. The sacred relics of St.Francis Xavier are kept in this church. St.Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552. As per his wishes, the following year, while transferring his remains to Goa, it was found that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. This miraculous phenomenon continues to attract the devout from all lands, and an Exposition or public viewing of his body every ten years attracts millions of pilgrims.

Goa Se Cathedral

The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine. It was on her feast day; 25th November 1510 that Alphonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. The Cross of Miracles, placed in the cathedral, attracts lot of people. It seems the Goans had a vision of Christ on this cross and the rock on which it was found was said to spout water. Today, the cross is slowly growing. Earlier, it was at Se Cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public.

Fort Aguada

Fort of Aguada is situated in the north of Goa, 18 km from Panaji. The Fort of Aguada was built by the Portuguese to control the entry of the enemy into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from attacks. The fortification skirts the seashore. From the ramparts of Fort Aguada, you can get a fantastic view of the golden beaches running right up to the borders of the Indian state of Maharashtra. At the center of the fort is a circular lighthouse tower which was built in 1864. If you can manage to reach the top of the lighthouse, then you can catch some excellent view of the Cabo Raj Niwas. The Fort presently houses the central jail.

Tiracol Fort

As perfect as a picture, The Tiracol Fort in Goa looks as if it has come alive from a fairy tale. Now this fort has been converted into a hotel. A beautiful little Goan church dominates the central court around which the fort of Tiracol rises: a living church full of light and quiet elegance. Cross the court and walk up the narrow stone stairs through short passages into split level rooms which follow the contours of the headland: old furniture, superb views over the river Tiracol and the beaches and out to the blue horizon of the sea. The Portuguese had sailed in from there, established themselves in the old conquests like this one, taken over an existing outpost and converted it to a fort to repulse the latest technique of attack.

Sarswat Temples

Some old temples of Goa which are noted for their natural beauty and simple architecture have certain basic features, as in the days of yore, of being surrounded by betel nut trees, coconut groves and lakes of pure water. When you enter any of these temples of Goa you are welcomed by the sentinels-the great pillars of light.

Among the oldest Saraswat Temples in Goa are the Mangeshi temple of Priol, the Shanta Durga Temple at Kavele, the Ganapati temple at Khandole, the Maha Laxmi temple at Bandewade and the Sri Nagesh Maharudra Temple at Bandora. Of these, unlike all other ancient deities of Goa, the Sri Nagesh Maharudra did not move from Bandora (Bandiwade) even during the period of the Portuguese acquisition.

Atrunja Taluka in Goa is now called 'Ponda'. It is a land of valleys and mountains. An ideal abode for the Gods amidst coconut and areca nut groves, Phonda is full of Hindu temples, the Sri Ganapati temple at Khandole village being one of the most prominent and oldest of them here.

The Church of St. Francis Xavier

Behind the gate of St. Paul's college is a small road branching off the main road, leading to the chapel of St. Francis Xavier. It is built of laterite plastered with lime mortar; with a tiled roof supported by wooden rafters is a plain chapel with only one altar.

Architecturally, the church is of  Doric order. The Chapel was within the enclosure of the College of St. Paul and was dedicated either to St. Anthony or to St. Jerome. As the chapel was used by St. Francis Xavier, it was re-dedicated to him after his canonization in 1622.

The original chapel was in existence in 1545. With the outbreak of the epidemic and the consequent abandoning of the college of St. Paul in 1570, the chapel fell into ruins and the present chapel was built in 1884.