Heritage Sites To Visit In Goa

Fort Aguada

Built to defend and protect Old Goa from potential invasions, Fort Aguada is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in the state. It was built sometime between 1609 and 1612 to guard against the Marathas and the Dutch forces that wanted to establish their reign. Its strategic location limited the entry into River Mandovi and also to protected Old Goa from enemy attacks. Among the most fascinating highlights of the fort is a large cistern that could store over 20,00,000 gallons of water and a magnificent citadel.

A four-storey lighthouse, built in 1864, sits prettily on the premises, and is believed to be the oldest of its kind in Asia. During the initial days, the lighthouse emitted light once every seven minutes that was reduced to every 30 seconds in 1834. The lighthouse was ultimately abandoned in 1976. The fort has been named after a freshwater spring located inside it that once provided water to arriving ships. Though the fort has lost its earlier grandeur, some of the buildings are still intact and have been converted into a prison. Tourists can reach the hilltop fort either from a 4-km-long road from Sinquerim Beach or a 2-km steep footpath. Aguada Fort is a fine example of Portuguese construction and engineering and is the best preserved Portuguese fort in India. It is said that so well built and fiercely armed was this fort that it never fell into enemy hands. It also boasts of a secret passage which was used in the times of war and emergency.

Se Cathedral

Dedicated to St Catherine, the 16th century celebrated structure of Se Cathedral is among the most imposing churches in Goa. Due to its sheer scale and stunning design, it is a treat for architecture and photography enthusiasts. Commissioned by Portuguese viceroy, Redondo, the edifice of the church is, in fact, bigger than any of the churches in Portugal as he wanted it to be “a grandiose church worthy of wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific.”

It was during the reign of king, Dom Sebastiao, that the construction of the church took off and was completed in 1619. Built for the Dominicans, the cathedral was paid for by the Royal Treasury out of the proceeds of the sale of the crown’s property. Built in the Portuguese-Gothic style with a Corinthian interior and Tuscan exterior, the church is one of the oldest of its kind in the state and is believed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. The church’s bell, the largest of its kind in Goa, is popularly called the Golden Bell. Initially, there were two towers on either side of the church’s façade, however, the one on the southern side collapsed in 1776. It was never rebuilt and gives a vintage look to the historic church. The main altar in the church is dedicated to St Alexandria with both its sides depicting scenes from her life. To the left of the main entrance of the church are four chapels that are dedicated to Our Lady of Virtues, St Sebastian, the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Life. A highlight of the cathedral is the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles. The church measures 250 ft in length and 181 ft in breadth. A vision of Jesus Christ is believed to have appeared on the Cross housed therein in 1919.

Church Of St Francis Of Assisi

Located in the main square of Old Goa, the Church of St Francis of Assisi is around 10 km from Panaji. The church was established by eight Franciscan friars who arrived in Goa in 1517. Retaining the Portuguese-Manueline style portal of its older structure, which was built in 1665, the Church of St Francis of Assisi, offers a fascinating visual contrast between its simple exterior facade and its lavish Baroque interior. Featuring Corinthian influences, the interior is beautifully decorated. The main altar is the highlight, with a large statue of St Francis of Assisi above it, along with another of Jesus Christ. It is flanked on either side by paintings on wood depicting the life and times of its patron saint.

The church started off as a chapel was upgraded to a church in 1521 and consecrated in 1602 with the present structure being built in 1661. Contiguous to the church is the convent, which is now home to a museum. Set up by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1964, it houses paintings, sculptures and other artefacts related to the history and culture of Goa. The church, facing west, contains a nave with three chapels on both the sides, a main altar and a choir.