Churches & Chapels

Most of the churches in Goa date back to the 16th Century and are excellent examples of late Renaissance, early Baroque (Manueline) and Gothic architecture. Most of the churches have very intricate detailing and ornamentation.

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa - The Church was built by Jesuits and consecrated to the name of Holy Jesus in the 16th Century. In it are enshrined the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier, dressed in rich vestments of gold and emeralds.

2. Church of St. Cajetan, Old Goa - This church was built by Italian friars in 1656. The architecture of this church is inspired by that of the Basilica of St. Peter's in Rome. It is the only surviving domed church in Goa.

3. Church of St. Francis de Assisi, Old Goa - This church was built in 1510 and rebuilt in 1521. It has the most beautiful interior of all churches in Old Goa, enriched in gold, with old painted ceilings and walls. It is presently being used as a museum.

4. Se. Cathedral, Old Goa - This Cathedral was completed in 1631 and was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. It's imposing façade rises 115.66 feet to the crowning cross. The main altar is engraved with images of Martyrdom of St. Catherine. A part of it is also being used as a museum.

5. Church of our Lady of Rosary, Old Goa - Built in 1543, it is the oldest complete structure to survive in old Goa.

6. Chapel of St. Catherine, Old Goa - This was the first church of Goa built in 1510.

Temples

The Goan temples with their domes and red tiled sloping roofs have a distinct architectural style. There are approximately 33 temples in Goa.

1. Tapobhoomi - This complex at Kundai, spread over an area of 10,000 sq.mts., is located at 20 kms. From Panaji in Ponda Taluka. It has now become a centre of pilgrimage for the students of Hindu culture and religion.

2. Brahma temple - This temple is situated 7 kms. From Valpoi and 60 kms. from Panaji in Satari taluka in the village of Brahma Carambolim. This shrine belongs to 5th Century A.D. It is one of the very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India.

3. Shri Mangesh - 22 kms. From Panaji at Priol Ponda taluka, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills. It s lofty white tower at the entrance is a landmark of the country side.

4. Temple of Shri Mahadev at Tambdi Surla - Located 60 km. from Panaji in Sanguem taluka, at the foot of the Ghat,, it is the only specimen of Kadamba - Yadav architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa.

5. Shantadurga Temple : Quela - It is one of the temples of Goa, built in the early 18th century. It is dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga.

6. Mahalsa Temple - Situated at Mardil, 1 km. room Shri Mangesh temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is an impressive attraction in the temple, which is, the brass pillar set on a turtles back in the court yard.

7. Nagesh Temple - It is about 4 kms. East of Ponda, situated in the village of Bandora. Its main attractions are a five-storeyed lamp tower, decorated with nagas (snakes) and a Nandi bull at the entrance.

Mosques

1. Jama Masjid - It is located 26 kms. From Margao at Sanguem taluka. It was built in the 20th century and is a remarkable attraction for it's harmonious proportions and elegant simplicity. Festivals are celebrated here by a large number of devotees.

2. Safa Masjid - It is located in Ponda taluka and is the biggest and most famous of the mosques in Ponda built in the 16 BC and protected by ASI. It is surrounded by an extensive garden with many fountains. The two major festivals Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zuha are celebrated here by a large number of people.

Museums & Art Galleries

There are various museums & art galleries in Goa, notably :

1. Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery, Old Goa
2. Museum of Christian Art, Rachol
3. Galleries at Se Cathedral, Old Goa
4. Goa state Museum, Panaji
5. Galleria of Icons, Madgaon
6. The Big Foot Art Gallery and local handicrafts centre, Loutolim
7. Monastary at Pilar
8. Museum of Archives of Goa, Panaji