Heritage walk in Old Goa to relive the golden age of Velha Goa

The Viceroy’s Arch erected in 1599 by Viceroy Francisco da Gama was once the main street for entering Old Goa. It was built as a memorial to the achievements of Vasco da Gama, the famous explorer. Incidentally Franciso was the great grand son of Vasco de Gama!

It was built by Alfanso De Albuquerque in 1510 when he defeated the local Muslim ruler Adil Shah on St. Catherine’s Day that is 25th November 1510. The Chapel has rectangular window panes of the Old Portuguese style dressed in mica shells.

Eight Portuguese Franciscan friars landed in Goa in 1517 and established the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The Church follows a mixed construction style. Tuscan order has been applied for the exteriors, while the main altar has been built in rich Baroque style with Corinthian features.

ctory over an invading Muslim army in the early 16th century. The day of that victory is celebrated as the Feast of Saint Catherine. In 20th century, the Pope Pius XII presented the honorary ‘Golden Rose’ to the cathedral, which is now placed on the tomb of Saint. Francis Xavier, inside the cathedral.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in India. Bom Jesus which means Good Jesus, was how Infant Jesus was referred to. Basilica of Bom Jesus is a landmark in the history of Christianity. It holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier who along with St. Ignatius Loyola has founded the Society of Jesus. The Blessed Sacrament was earlier kept on the main altar under the statue of St Ignatius and now is preserved in a gold tabernacle.

St Augustine’s tower was built in 1600. It is one of the four towers of St. Augustine Church that once stood at the site. The Tower was meant to serve as a belfry and the Church had eight richly adorned chapels & four altars and a convent with numerous cells.

Afonso de Albuquerque, while fighting the Islamic army of Deccan Sultanate, took a vow to build this church as a token of gratitude to Our Lady of Victory. Its striking features are high altitude windows and round towers which makes it look like a fortress.