Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. The multi-religious fabric of Goa’s society shines brightly, imbibed with the spirit of “Sarva Dharma, Sama Bhava” or Equal Respect for all Religions. Today, Goa has one of India’s highest per-capita incomes, with farming, fishing, tourism and iron-ore mining forming the basis of its economy.
Unesco Heritage Monuments
Basilica of Bom Jesus
When you’re in Goa you can’t miss visit the relics of St Francis Xavier housed at the Basilica de Bom Jesus. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, though simple to look at, represents features from five styles of architecture: Roman, Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and Composite.
Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine
It was one of the largest churches at its time but now the tower is the only remnant of this once magnificent structure. It was built by the Augustine order and dedicated to Our Lady of Grace. The construction of the began in 1597 and was completed in 1602. Once the Augustinians were expelled in 1835 the church was abandoned and fell to ruin.
Se Cathedral
This grand structure took almost a century to construct. It’s the most imposing of all the churches in Old Goa with its vaulted interior overwhelming visitors with its sheer grandeur. Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine. One of the important displays is the side altar dedicated to the cross inside. There are interesting legends connected to this cross.
Other Unesco Heritage Sites In Goa
St Catherine’s Chapel
Church of Our Lady of Rosary
Church of St Cajetan
church of st francis de Assisi and convent
Forts
Aguada Fort
Standing on the crumbling ramparts of what was once the most formidable and impregnable of the Portuguese forts in India, one looks out at a panoramic ocean vista, witnessing the confluence of the Mandovi River and Arabian Sea, over which the fort has kept watch for more than four hundred years.This is so majestic a sight that it is easy to picture a Portuguese galleon or carrack on the horizon, on the last leg of its arduous voyage from far off Portugal around the Cape of Good Hope, finally able to make safe harbour and replenish its supplies.
Cabo de Rama
Deriving its name from the Hindu Epic the Ramayana, this ancient fort far predates the Portuguese rule in Goa, making it one of the oldest forts in Goa. Though time and the elements have weathered this proud structure, it still stands today, guarding the mouth of the Sal River and commanding panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.