Christmas is near. Your pending annual leaves drive you to plan for winter vacations. So, why not visit these spectacular churches during Christmas week in the beach city of Goa?
Portuguese ruled Goa for about 450 years. That's why you can see the impact of the Portuguese on Goa's culture, cuisine, and architecture. The Portuguese practice Christianity. So, you can observe the grand designs & architecture in their religious places. Goa churches are so unique that these centuries-old churches are now famous tourist places in Goa. So, pack your bags & book an hourly hotel in Goa for your comfortable stay.
As Christmas is near, experience the Beauty of These 5 Beautiful churches in Goa.
I. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
The construction of Our Lady of the Immaculate Church started in 1541 and was completed in 1609. Quoted as one of the oldest churches of Goa, this church has elegant & traditional style architecture. Dedicated to St. Peters and Our Lady of Rosary. You can also visit St. Xavier's chapel here in this church.
Due to its location near the central market of Panaji, this conception church has become a favorite shooting spot for movies. Some famous Bollywood movies, like Dilwale and Josh, were shot at the church's location. Every year on 8th December, the church is illuminated & decorated on the occasion of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception feast. This feast attracts tourists from all over the world. So, what are you thinking? Plan your holidays, schedule a hotel for a few hours in Goa & visit this iconic church.
II. Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
Built-in 1605, the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church is one of the famous churches in Goa. The church dedicates to infant Jesus. The church has baroque-style architecture. The church is on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. This picturesque church is also one of the seven wonders of Portuguese origin in the world.
The church houses several paintings, marble altars & floors. You can find the tomb of a missionary saint & mortal remains of the founder of the Jesus society, Francis Xavier. Interestingly, the church was constructed with laterite bricks that had not been plastered. It's believed that the strength of the building would increase by itself! Sounds fascinating, right? So, make a plan & save your money by booking rooms in an hourly hotel in Goa or an hourly hotel in Pune & visit this church.
III. Lady of Rosary Church
Listed in the UNESCO world heritage site since 1986, the Lady of Rosary Church has a different architecture style than most of the churches of Goa. It has cupola designs. As per historian Gaspar Correia, the Portuguese trader Afonso de Albuquerque decided to build a chapel in the name of Our Lady of the Rosary on his standing spot where he got the news of the complete to conquer of Portuguese on Goa in 1510.
Quoted as one of the most ancient preserved buildings in Goa, the construction of this church was completed in around three years. The church was built of mortar & lime material. There are two chapels present in this church with one nave. The main altar of the church is dedicated to our Lady of Rosary. The church's architecture was based on Gothic-style designs. Sounds intriguing, right? Plan your Christmas holidays, book your rooms in an hourly hotel in Goa & visit this spectacular church.
IV. St. Francis of Assisi Church
The church was initially a small chapel for worship. Located in Velha, St. Francis of Assisi Church was a church for Roman Catholic Christians. The esablishment date of the church is still not known. The church architecture is the work of Baroque, Manueline, Tuscan and Corinthian styles. The church houses many elegant wall paintings, floral designed main altar, and wood carvings on the ceiling.
It's believed that the statue of the Lady of Miracles in this church was from Sri Lanka. There was a convent alongside the church. In 1964, this convent has been converted into a museum with the help of the Archaeological Survey of India. Sounds vintage! Pack your bags and schedule an hourly hotel in Goa or an hourly hotel in Pune so that you can pay only for the time you stay.
V. Se Cathedral Church
Se Cathedral church is one of the biggest churches in Goa. The church houses the largest bell in Goa, Golden Bell. Over a large area, the church's construction started in 1510 and completed in 1619. The church was built in the honor of St. Catherine. On the St. Catherine feast day, the Portuguese trader Afonso de Albuquerque won over a Muslim army to rule Goa in 1510.
You can appreciate the classic Portuguese, Corinthian, and Manueline-style in church architecture . It has eye-catching wooden & decorative carvings. The main altar inside the church is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. On the church's right side, you can visit the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles, where it was believed that a vision of Christ had appeared in 1619. You can also look at carved scenes from the life of Saint Catherine on the main panels inside the church. Sounds classic, right? Pack your clothes, book an hourly hotel in Pune or Goa & visit this ancient architectural marvel.
Final Thoughts
Now, you can say that Goa is not only famous for its breathtaking beaches, but also its historic churches. Their alluring architectures will make you awe with their unique designs. These patterns are so unique that these churches draw a lot of tourists all over the year. So, what are you thinking?