FAMOUS CHURCHES IN GOA                

Goa is popularly known as the pearl of the orient and tourist paradise. Goa is well known for its nature scene and of course for churches and their architecture.

Here is some list of churches in Goa that you must not miss:

    Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa

     The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is one of the greatest Panaji tourism destination located in Panaji, Goa, India. The Church conducts mass every day in English, Konkani, and Portuguese. The colonial Portuguese Baroque style church was first built in 1541 as a chapel on a hill side overlooking the city of Panaji, to serve the religious needs of Portuguese sailors at their first port of call in colonial Portuguese India.

It was eventually replaced by a larger church in the 1600s as part of Portuguese Goa's religious expansion. This church houses the ancient bell that was removed from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in the once famed city of Old Goa. This bell is considered to be the second largest of its kind in Goa.

The simple yet wonderful decorations of the church are most note worthy aspect. The clean and tidy and well-maintained complex pleases the worshipers and tourists alike. Panaji's Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception has a couple of altars dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary and Jesus. Beautiful statues of St. Paul and St. Peter are seen beside the altars. The St. Xavier's Chapel is another attraction of the church.

 Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus or Borea Jezuchi Bajilika is located in Goa, India, and is part of the Churches and convents of Goa UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rules. This is one of the oldest churches in Goa and in India. The floor is of marble inlaid with precious stones. Apart from the elaborate gilded altars, the interior of the church is simple. The main altar holds a large statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, and one of Francis Xavier's companions whose words drew him to a reformed life. "What does it profit a man," Ignatius had asked Francis, "if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?"

The body of Francis Xavier was first taken to Portuguese Malacca and two years later shipped back to Goa. It is said that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. The remains of the saint still attract a huge number of tourists (Christian and non-Christian alike) from all over the world, especially during the public viewing of his body every ten years (last held in 2014). The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing. The church also holds paintings of scenes taken from the life of St. Francis Xavier.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is more than 408 years old and is open to the public every day. The body of St. Francis Xavier is in a well-decorated casket. Solemn exhibitions of the 'body' are held every ten years. Some photos taken inside the church are attached for better understanding of the art work of that time. These art works are called "murals".

Church of St. Anne, Talaulim

The church of St. Anne is a religious monument located in Santana, Goa, India. It is an example of baroque architecture. Majestically nestled in the verdant hills of Santana, Talaulim, the Church of Anne was declared a "national monument" during the Portuguese era per Government Portario No. 1360 of 31/3/31. In that Portario—studded like priceless diamonds—were also the Bom Jesus Basilica, the Se Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Convent of Santa Monica and the Church of St. Cajetan. Each of these, monumental in their architectural splendor, and all of them huddled in the former Portuguese capital of Old Goa, Goa.

 The Talaulim village is located 4 km north of Pilar in the Tiswadi taluka in North Goa. It is very famous for the enormous church of Santana (St. Anne). The church noted for its excellent architecture and beautiful facade was built on the right hand side of the Siridao River in 1695. The construction was completed by one Fr. Antonio Francisco da Cunha after Mons Francisco do Rego who had originally constructed it with contributions of the villagers and even with his own funds could not complete the task.

 I have visited two churches among them with my family and friends, I have enjoyed a lot and also planning to visit 3^rd the Church of St. Anne in future.

Source:Wikipedia   date:05.03.2019