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It is the largest Churches in Old Goa, which began church service in 1562 during the reign of King Dom Sebastiao(1557-8). It was fairly complete by 1619, though the altars were not finished until 1652. The cathedral was built for the Dominicans and paid for by royal treasury out of the proceeds of the sale of crown property. The buildings style is Portuguese-Gothic with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. They were once two tower a, one either side of the facade, but one collapsed in 1776. The remaining tower houses a famous bell, the largest in Goa, often called Golden Bell because of it's rich & deep sound. The main altar is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandra, and painting on either side of it depicts scenes from life to martydom.

Church of St Francis of Assisi :
Church of St. Francis of Assissi, goa india travel

Church of St. Francis of Assissi, goa india travel

It is one of the most intricate buildings in Old Goa. It contains gilded and carved woodwork, old murals depicting scenes from the life of St Francis, a floor substantially made of carved gravestones complete with family coats of arms dating back to the early 16th century. The church was built by eight Franciscan friars who arrived here in 1517. They initially constructed a small chapel consisting of three altars and a choir. This was later pulled down and the present building was built on the same spot and completed in 1661. The convent at the back of this church is now the Archaeological Museum (open Saturday to Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm entry free).

Church of St Cajetan:
A copy on the original design of St Peter's in Rome, this church was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines, who were sent by Pope Urban III to preach Christianity in the town of Golconda (near Hyderabad). The friars were not permitted to work in Golconda, so settled at Old Goa in 1640. The construction of the church began in 1655.

Church of St Augustine Ruins :
Hardly anything remains of this church, just the huge 46 mt. tower which served as a belfry and formed part of the facade of the church. The few other remnants are covered with creepers and weeds, hardly accessible. The church was constructed in 1602 by Augustine friars. It was abandoned in 1835 due to the repressive policies of the Portuguese government, which resulted in the eviction of many religious orders from Goa. The church fell into neglect and the vault collapsed in 1842.

Temples:

Shri Bhagavati:
Shri Manguesh Temple, goa churches

The temple, situated by the side of the main road in Pernem, is said to be more than 500 years old. Two life size images of elephants in standing position, made of blackstone, on either side at the entrance welcomes visitors. The Goddess Bhagavati Ashtabhuja in a sanding position on a high pedestal is very imposing. Dusshera is celebrated with gaiety from Asvin Shuddha Pratipada to Poornima when over 25 thousand devotees assemble at the temple.

Shri Bhagatvati Temple at Parshem:
Situated at a distance of 7kms. from Pernem in Pernem Taluka, the complex has five temples, main temple being Shri Bhagavati, other temples are of Shri Sateri, Shridev Ravalnath, Shri Dev Bhivangi Panchakshari & Bhrama

Brahma Temple:
7kms. from Valpoi, in the village of Carambolim Brahma. This Shrine belongs to the 5ht century A.D. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma that is found in India.

Mosques:

Jama Masjid:
26kms. from Margoa at Sanguem. The Jama Masjid was completely renovated in 1959. The new structure is remarkable for its harmonious proportions and elegant simplicity. It has four minarets whilst the entrance facade is flanked by two elegant turrets surmounted by pillared kiosks. A dome shaped kiosk rises in the centre of the four minarets.

Safa Shahouri Masjid:
It is the biggest and most famous of the 27 mosque in Ponda taluka and built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur. The mosque and tank were formerly surrounded by lush gardens and fountains. They were all destroyed during the Portuguese rule. The two major festivals Id UI-Fitr and Ud-Duha are celebrated at this mosque with great pomp and show.