Wednesday 30 September 2015

Goa - Home to Some of the Oldest And Most Revered Churches in India


Goa is a well-known tourist destination in India. It is a historic city full of numerous remnants of the bygone era that offer a detailed insight on the history of the place. If you are in the state the churches in Goa are just a must-visit. Apart from being highly revered, their beauty is simply unmatched and certainly are attractions for the architecture buffs.

Goa is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in India. Due to its famous beaches, carnivals and festivals, relaxed lifestyle, and numerous historical monuments, there is a large and continuous flow of tourists to the place. It is the state that receives the highest inflow of international tourists who flock the top places to visit in Goa year after year. At first, it were the Portuguese who colonized the place, following them were the hippies, and now beach lovers and travelers who seek to explore and experience the Portuguese have influenced culture and hospitality of the place. The dominance of the Portuguese that started in 16th century and continued till 1961, not only influenced and inspired just the architecture of the place, but also the food, religion, traditions, and lifestyle of the locals. Today, the place is amongst the handful of states in India, where exist a seamless mixture between conventional Indian culture and genuine Portuguese culture. Old Goa or Vedha Goa is about 10 k.m. from the capital of the state, Panaji, and is a place full of remnants of the Portuguese colonial era. It falls within the province of North Goa district and is a place perfect for heritage walk. The charm of the old and narrow streets that run through the old bungalows, churches, cafes, and other structures is just bewitching and beckons one to visit them.


The churches in the state in particular are highly popular. Goa houses some of the oldest and most beautiful churches and cathedrals in India. Those who are religious put them high on reverence and some of the churches carry certain religious or historic significance. For example, the Se Cathedral Church is the largest Roman Catholic church in Asia, where it is believed that in 1919 a vision of Jesus Christ appeared in the church room. If you are in the state, take the opportunity to visit the following churches in Goa; a visit to them is simply worth.


Church of St. Francis of Assisi - As the name suggests, it is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and counts amongst the oldest churches in Goa. It was built in 1661 and is made up of laterite blocks. It lies on the western side of Se Cathedral and in the city of Old Goa. Locals visit the church in large masses, making it one of the most busiest churches in the state. There is a beautiful wooden statue of St. Francis of Assisi along with statues of Our Lady of Miracles, St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Michael. The church is one of the most popular churches and a must-visit!

Basilica of Bom Jesus - It is perhaps the most revered church in Goa and located in Old Goa. It is dedicated to infant Jesus, and is a beautiful exhibit of Jesuit architecture style. The church is also significant as it houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier that are kept in a casket. There are letters "HIS" inscribed on the facade, which are the first three letters of Jesus Christ in Greek. The main altar houses a figure of infant Jesus and is richly gilded. Above the altar is the statue of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of Jesuits.


No comments:

Post a Comment