Churches of Goa - Basilica de Bom Jesu

This was Arpita Chandra's second visit to Goa. The first time, she and her friends had only chilled on Baga beach for New Year's. But this time she had promised herself that she was going to check out the rich architectural heritage of Goa, especially its churches.

Old Goa, also known as 'Goa Dourada' or Golden Goa, was the Portuguese capital till the mid-19^th century. A series of misfortunes like plague epidemics and flooding of the river Mondovi, forced its inhabitants to abandon it and move to Panaji. This compact 1.5 km stretch has some magnificent churches and cathedrals and has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.

Highlights:

Basilica de Bom Jesu - this church is the famous resting place of St Francis Xavier. His elaborate tomb was carved by a Florentine sculptor and took 10 years to complete. You can see several grand styles of architecture here: Baroque, Corinthian and Ionic. The grand golden alter shows influences of Indian craftsmen.

Se Cathedral - the largest cathedral in Goa, was built by the Portuguese government as a symbol of their power in India. It is built in the renaissance style and has 15 alters inside leading to the final alter dedicated to St Catherine, and showing scenes from her life.

Church of St Cajetan - built in 1651 by Italian monks, in honour of their patron saint, this cathedral is modelled on St Peter's Cathedral Rome.

Church of St Francis Assissi - this church depicts Portuguese seafarers' designs and has panels with paintings from the life of St Francis.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary - this is one of Goa's earliest churches built on top the 'holy hill' by Alfonso de Albuquerque.