It is located nine km east of Panajim and is famous for its churches and cathedrals. Some of the old buildings are converted into museums maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Old Goa is still the spiritual heart of Christian Goa. It has been granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO for its extraordinarily grandiose churches & convents.
History Before the arrival of the Portuguese, it was the second capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. Under the Portuguese, the city grew rapidly in size and splendor. But it was short-lived because by the end of the 16th century. Portuguese supremacy on the seas had been replaced by that of the British, French & Dutch. In 1843, the capital was shifted to Panaji.
Access Old Goa is just 30 minutes by road from Panjim and is served by buses every fifteen minutes from Panjim. Alternatively you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi.
