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.
