9 km east of Panaji on the bank of the Mandovi River, Old Goa was once the capital of the Indian Portuguese territories, though it was founded in the 15th century as a port for the Bahamni and Vijayanagar kings. It was the second capital of Bijapur. The city was surrounded by a moat and contained Adil Shah's palace, his mosques and temples. It came under Portuguese rule from 1510 to 1961. Goa Tours includes so many beautiful beaches, Goa Beaches are picturesque stretches of golden sand trimming the aquamarine expanse of the Arabian Sea.
Once upon a time its streets were compared to Lisbon, and it was as large as London.
Of its various spectacular monuments, churches affiliated to various congregations, including the St Cathedral, St Francis of Assisi, St Caetano, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus are popular. Many monuments of Old Goa is now included under World Heritage by UNESCO.
Old Goa Destinations
·St Catherine’ Cathedral
Built by Portuguese Viceroy Redendo. Took 90 years to complete.
The gigantic pillars and wooden statues of St Paul and St Peter are a must see monuments.
·St Francis of Assisi Church and Archeological Museum
Beautiful gilded main altar, large statue of St Francis of Assisi. Tuscan and Manuline style of construction, 3 m high bronze statue of Luiz de Cameos are the must see features.
·Chapel of St Catherine
One of the oldest churches, built around 1540. This is closed, public viewing is only from outside.
·Arch of the Viceroys and Gate of Adil Shah
Built in 1597 to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s landing in India by his great grand son Franscisco da Gama, the viceroy from 1597 to 1600. Gate of Adil Shah was built before Portuguese came. Actually it was the gate to the palace which was fell apart and demolished in 1820.
·Church of St Cajetan
Modeled after St Peter’s in Rome in the Corinthian style. Construction began in 1655. The church has six other altars dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady of Piety, and St Claire.
·Basilica of Bom Jesus and Tomb of St Francis Xavier
Bom Jesus means Good Jesus. Begun in 1594 and completed in 1605. Built in Baroque style. The interior is in Classical Renaissance order.
·St Francis Xavier
Built in memory of St Francis Xavier, the Apostle of India.
·Holy Hill
Opposite Bom Jesus, Holy Hill is an aggregation of important religious buildings. It was completed in 1627. It features a three-storey Convent, Church of St Monica, Church of St Angustine and the Royal Chapel of St Anthony.
Old Goa features the best Portuguese Architecture in India. Apart from that Sun, Sand, Surf, Feni and Fish are the bonuses you will get. Being a world heritage spot, this place is preserved its virgin beauty. It is out of bustles compared to the much talked about Goa.
How to Reach Old Goa
Buses are frequently available from Panaji, the nearby bus stand is Kadamba. Panaji is well connected by roadways from Mumbai.