Goa Church Guide
Situated in the same compound where Se Cathedral is consructed, the church is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. The beautifully designed building has the best of the architecture of Portuguese era in Goa.
Location : The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is located in Old Goa, 9 Km from Panaji.
About the Church
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is situated in the same compound, where Se Cathedral stands. The church is a beautiful building, constructed during 1517-1521 AD. Initially a chapel, it got converted into a church in 1521 AD and was dedicated to the Holy Ghost in 1602 AD. There used to be a convent in the church. The Portuguese government closed the convent in 1835 AD. The church has been converted into a museum by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1964. The church displays artifacts, paintings and pieces of Hindu temple sculptures from Goa.
Architecture of the Building
The Church of St. Francis has been designed very finely. The church is much smaller than the Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and although it’s heavily painted and there are profusely carved altars, the aura is one of muted dignity. The pattern painted on the ceiling near the door has a distinct Indian touch to it. The architecture is a combination of the Tuscan style from the exterior and the Mosaic-Corinthian style from the interior. The interior of the church is gilded with the scenes from the Bible and wall frescoes show intricate floral designs. The niche of the façade holds the statue of St Michael and a wooden statue of St Francis Assisi decorates the pedestal in one of its chapel. A heavily carved niche with tabernacle supported by four evangelists can be seen in the main altar. Two huge statues, one of St Francis Assisi and the other of the Jesus on the Cross, are placed above the tabernacle.
Getting there
Old Goa can be reached by Taxi, Bus, Auto-rickshaw or Motorcycle. The city can be explored on taxi, motorbike or on foot. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is near the church of Bom Jesus, which is easily accessible on foot.
Accommodations
Goa has a vast option for stay. There are many luxury, star rated and budget hotels available all over Goa. Old Goa is also no exception. One can also opt for stay in Panaji, 10 Km from Old Goa. Government of India and Goa Government also have hotels and guest houses in Goa.
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| By Rosalind (on Mar 24, 2011 11:31 AM) Bless me and my family, aman
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| By Dominic (on Mar 24, 2011 11:26 AM) I reach 24th march 2011
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