Description
Experience the colonial past of Old Goa in our Old Goa Heritage Walk
In our Old Goa Heritage Walk, explore the some of the most historically significant buildings. Old Goa is a World Heritage site housing some of most grandest and oldest churches in the region. Among these are the Basilica of Bom Jesus which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The imposing Sé Cathedral, the Church of St Francis of Assisi, the Chapel of St Catherine, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the Church of St Cajetan, the Chapel of St Anthony and the ruins of the Tower of St Augustine’s Church.
The Old Goa Heritage Walk revisits some of the most fascinating facts during Portuguese rule. When Old Goa was Goa’s former capital city, it was a thriving city even during prior to Portuguese times. It was the capital of the Bahmani Sultan Adil Shah empire. The Portuguese arrived here in 1510 under their commander Afonso de Albuquerque, and captured the city from Adil Shah, the ruler of the Bijapur Kingdom. They came to the East in search of trade and to eventually spread Christianity.
Under Portuguese rule Goa rapidly became a major metropolis of the 16th and 17th century rivaling London and Paris, and at its peak had a population of over 150,000 people. However, disease and decline in trade took its toll. Consequently the city rapidly deteriorated in the latter part of the 17th century. The capital was officially moved to Panjim in 1843. Eventually, the site of Old Goa was used as a quarry to build Panjim, and buildings were left to naturally decay and were eventually demolished.
Highlights:
- Begin the Old Goa Heritage Walk at Viceroy’s Arch
- Visit the church St Cajetan
- Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Notice the remains of St. Francis Xavier
- Visit the imposing Sé Cathedral, the largest church in Goa.
Harish Deshpande –
Today we did the Old Goa Heritage Walk. It was mind blowing experience. This helped us to get connected with the history of Goa. Our tour presenter Amreen helped us to understand the history of land. Her knowledge and enthusiasm added more interest to this walk. Hopefully you are going to carry on this work. Thank you so much.