The Churches and Convents at Velha (Old) Goa

This town was built in the fifteenth century by the Bijapur Empire. It served as the capital of Portuguese in India from the 16th century. The city’s remains have been recognized as a World Heritage Site By UNESCO. Velha or Old Goa is about 10 km away east of Panaji or Panaji, the state capital.

The Portuguese reign gave rise to the churches and convents of Velha (Old) Goa.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se’ Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of Lady of Rosary, Church of St. Augustine, and Chapel of St. Catherine are by far the most influential group of churches and cathedrals constructed in Old Goa during the 16th to 17th centuries AD.

The Facts in Brief Glances 

• Velha (Old) Goa was also known as the “Rome of the Orient”. 

• It was the capital of the Portuguese not only in India but also in Asia.

• It had also become an evangelization centre from the sixteenth century.

Velha (Old) Goa was inducted into the Republic of India when it was annexed in 1961. It became a part of Goa state in the country. But it has retained its religious status in modern-day Goa,

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Chapel of St Catherine 

The Chapel of St Catherine was constructed in 1510 CE. It faces the Mandovi River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is situated within the same compound as Se Cathedral and the Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. 

To commemorate his victorious entry into the city of Goa on St Catherine’s Day, Afonso de Albuquerque, who was the 1st Duke of Goa, had one chapel built at the entrance of the Muslim wall of Goa. 

It was constructed right where he entered the city. 

The chapel is believed to have been built on the exact location of what was once the main gate of the Muslim city of Ela.

Later, when Pope Paul III gave this chapel cathedral a title in 1543 CE, it was a massive deal.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary 

Our Lady of the Rosary Church is a Catholic church and convent designated for Our Lady of the Rosary. It was created in the Manueline style in 1543 CE.  

It was built as per the promise of Afonso De Albuquerque, the first duke of Goa. 

The church has a two-story porch flanked by small cylindrical towers with domes on either side and a cross on top.

It evokes the image of a castle, with apertures towards the roof. One can get a great view of the Mandovi river flowing below from the gardens in front of the church.

The Church and Monastery of St Augustine 

Along with El Escorial in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain, and the Monastery of So Vicente de Fora in Lisbon, Portugal, the Church and Monastery of St Augustine was once deemed one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian peninsula. 

The church’s construction started in 1597 CE and was completed in 1602 CE by Augustinian friars who landed in Goa in 1587 CE.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus  

The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa was constructed in 1605 CE. It was declared one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Culture in 2009.

It is a popular UNESCO heritage site since it houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Inside the Basilica of Bom Jesus, south of the main altar is the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, decorated with twisted gold columns and wood floral decoration. 

The Se Cathedral 

The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine. It is one of Asia’s largest churches and a convent at Velha. It took over 80 years to build.

It was constructed to commemorate the Portuguese triumph against the Muslim rulers of Goa. 

The church is 76 metres (250 feet) long and 55 metres (181 feet) wide. The frontispiece is 35 metres (115 feet) high. 

The Se Cathedral’s tower houses a large bell known as the ‘Golden Bell’ owing to its rich tone, whose gong can be heard across old Goa.

The Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi  

On the southern side of Pavagadh hill, there are seven arches. But only six arches are visible. 

The Saat Kaman is seen while climbing the Pavagadh hill from Champaner to Machi. The frame is built of yellow sandstone but was most likely used for military purposes. 

It’s worth mentioning that the stone arches possess an interlocking mechanism that keeps the stones in position without using any construction materials like cement.

Conclusion

In the early 16th Century CE, the construction of its first monument commenced. The last religious monument was completed in the Mid-17th Century CE. 

These Churches and Convents at Velha portray Portuguese Colonial Architecture. They have Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque styles of architecture. The Portuguese rulers of Velha had the patronage of the Portuguese Empire. They were the followers of the Roman Catholic sect of Christianity. 

Velha Goa represents a unique Indo-Portuguese style developed during the 450 years of Colonial rule there.