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Goa, the Jewel of India, is studded with temples and churches, which remain as
silent but forceful witnesses to the intense religious history of the diverse
people who lived here. Goan churches are famous for their interesting architecture
usually a blend of two or more forms. Most of the churches during the Portuguese
rule were built in Old Goa and today Old Goa along with its churches is a world
heritage site. Most of the churches have stood fairly well over a period of time
Christianity was forced upon with religious fervor by the Portuguese during the
period of the wide scale destruction of temples and this continued till the official
end of the "inquisition" in Goa in 1812. Most of Goa's churches were
built on the very site of former temples. The confiscated lands of the temples
were handed over to the church and the communidades.
Beauty of Churches of Goa
The Church is an important factor in Goa's social , cultural and religious
life. Today ,the churches are all part of the Archdiocese of Goa. The oldest
surviving Church in Goa today is the Church of Our Lady of Rosary on Monte Santo,
Old Goa. It was built to commemorate Alfonso de Albuquerque's victory. The style
of Churches during this time period is termed as "Manueline" after
King Emmanuel of Portugal. Some of the famous and must see churches in Goa are
the Se Cathedral Church, Ruins of Church of St. Augustine, The Church of St.
Anne at Talaulim, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Reis Magos Church, St. Cajetan Church,
Church of St. Francis of Assissi , Church of St Paul and Church of Mary Immaculate
Conception
The Churches of Goa
The churches that were built between 1510 to 1550 AD are known as the churches
of early period. The fine example of the church of this period is Church of
Our Lady of Rosary. The Baroque period starts from 1550- 1660 AD. The churches
of Old Goa including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral, and the
Church of St Cajetan and the largest of them all, the Augustine Church of Our
Lady of Grace, now in ruins, belong to this time period and style. The other
architectural periods are the Rocco period (1760-1899) and the modern period(1900-).
- Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Goa
- Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Goa
- The Se Cathedral, Goa
- Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
- St. Cajetan Church, Old Goa
- Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Goa
- Chapel and Tomb of St. Francis Xavier, Goa
- St Augustine Tower, Goa
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