Old Goa

Location
Old Goa is the historic part of Goa, which was under the rule of Portuguese for 450 years.

Best time to visit
October to May marks the best time to visit, as December to February is the peak season.

Prime Attractions
Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Convent of St. Monica, Mausoleum of Francis Xavier, Se Cathedral, The Archeological Museum, Church and Convent of St. John of God and other old monuments. About Old Goa
Old Goa is the part of Goa, which was under rule of Portugal for more than 450 years, before getting independence in December 1961. Unlike the modern day Goa, Old Goa is more traditional, historic and has a unique cultural heritage. Its a less visited place, but with immense tourism potential in it. The Old Goa is a classic example of the colonial rule in India. A Portuguese explorer Alphonoso de Albuquerque captured Goa in 1510. He made Old Goa its epicentre in Goa. Old Goa enjoyed the same civic privileges as Lisbon. The early days of Old Goa are often described as Goa Dourada or Golden Goa. Huge churches, monastaries, cathedarals, monuments, nunneries and other Portuguese buildings are an evidence to the golden era of Goa.

Tourist spots
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The church is dedicated to the infant Jesus. Artistically designed, the church layout follows simple Renaissance norms while the detailing and decoration is unabashed Baroque. At the entrance, through the west-facing facade, is a bank of coloums that supports the choir gallery. The confessional is finely carved and surmounted by massive eagles.

Mausoleum of Francis Xavier
The body of St. Francis Xavier is kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. St. Xaviers is said to have set up various churches, schools, a university and a printing press in Goa. St Francies Xavier was canonised in 1622 and today, the sacred relics of the Saint are kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, are carried in procession to the Se Cathedral for an exposition every 10 years. The next exposition is due in AD 2014.

Se Cathederal
This Cathedral, which took eighty years to get completed, is the largest in Asia and is the prestigious seat of the archdiocese of Goa. The church is dedicated to St. Catherine. The west- facing cathedral has a Tuscan exterior with square towers flanking the 30.3 metre-high facade. The intricately-detailed Corinthian interior has huge pillars dividing the 76.2 metre-long central space from the side aisles.

Convent of St. Monica
The convent of St. Monica is India's largest nunnery. The huge building is designed in European style. The high walls of the compound are very much inspiring and bear exquisite designs on it.

Getting There
Air
Dambolin Airport in Goa is the only airport in Goa. It is situated in Vasco-da-Gama, 30 Km from Old Goa. Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from Vasco as well as Panaji to Old Goa.
Rail
Vasco-da-Gama rail station is connected by train with the major cities of India. One can easily get taxis and buses for Old Goa.
Road
Panaji, the capital of Goa, is connected by road to Bangalore-598 Km, Mumbai-594 Km, Hubli-184 Km, Kolhapur-246 Km, Mangalore-371 Km, Mysore-696 Km and Pune-458 Km.

Accommodation
Goa has a vast option for stay. There are many luxury, star rated and budget hotels available all ovber 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 also have hotels and guest houses in Goa.