Goa - Churches of Old Goa

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Anyone and Everyone who comes to Goa, does pay a visit to the Churches of Old Goa.

These Churches and Chapels are flocked with people throughout the day. People come here to see how beautifully these Churches built in the 16th century are still standing tall. A big vote of thanks to  UNESCO World Heritage Site to look after the maintenance. One can get amazing photographs at this place. 

This city was constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate (Adil Shah) in the 15th century on the banks of the Mandovi River.  It was later on taken over by the Portuguese. They ruled here till the 18th century, thereafter it was abandoned due to a plague, 

The city got the name Old Goa much later. Not much is known as to how it got it's name. 

Old Goa has the below mentioned Churches and Chapels in its premises

1. Church of St. Francis of Assisi
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus
3. Church of St. Cajetao
4. Church of St. Augustine
5. Church of Lady of Rosary
6. Se Cathedral
7. Chapel of Mount Mary
8. Chapel of St. Catherine

Goa - Chapel of St. Catherine in Old Goa

Thursday, March 26, 2015

St Catherine Chapel is located very close to Church of St Francis of Assisi.

Entrance to St Catherine Chapel

Chapel built of Chire. Stone used in the construction of houses across Goa. The Front of the church is painted white in portions, rest is chire so it has the color of stone, Red. 

No services are held here. 

The Chapel is dimly light on the inside, hence the photos are dark.

Interiors made of Chire, the place where once stood the Altar

This Chapel was built in 1510 by Afonso de Albuquerque the then Portuguese Governor. The day he conquered this part of Goa from Adil Shah of Bijapur, it was the feast of St Catherine, so the Chapel was built to commemorate the same. 25th November 1510 is the feast of St. Catherine. 

Another entrance to the Chapel

On the opposite side of the road, I saw a small portion of the wall. Not sure what it was though we landed to explore it. But history states that it was the fort wall.  Afonso de Albuquerque entered the fort via this wall, after conquering this fort from Adil Shah he demolished the mosque and built the Chapel in its place.