Introduction
Built of laterite and lime plaster, the churches and cathedrals built during 16th to 17th century A.D. at Old Goa are a legacy of the Portuguese. They comprise of -Se' Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Asisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of lady of Rosary and the Church of St. Augustine. Built in a combination of the renaissance and baroque styles, these churches and convents in old Goa are architectural masterpieces. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier rest, is one of the best in design and style. The Church of St Cajetan has a façade decorated with lonic, Doric and Corinthian pilasters. The Se' Cathedral with its Tuscan exterior, Corinthian columns, raised platform with steps leading to the entrance and barrel -vault is yet another example of Renaissance architecture. The paintings in the church are executed on wooden borders and fixed between panels with floral designs. Except for a few statues which are in stone, most of the other statues of the saints, Mother Mary and Jesus are mostly first carved in wood and then painted to adorn the altars.
Tourist Information
Open on all weekdays from sunrise to sunset. No entry fees.
Best time to visit
Winters
Access
By Air Air links to Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai and Pune.
By Rail The nearest railhead is Vasco de Gama (35 km) from Panaji. Goa is connected to Londa junction on the Bangalore - Miraj sector of South Central Railway. Konkan railway linking Mumbai with Mangalore passes through Goa.
By Road Good motorable road connects Goa with other towns via the National Highways NH 4A, NH 17, and NH 17A. Road links to Ahmedabad (1,138 km) Aurangabad (699 km) Bangalore (592 km), Mumbai (597 km), Chennai (923 km) Pune (473 km) .Bus services connect Goa with Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Mangalore and other cities of in the neighbouring states.
By Sea From Mumbai Catamaran services operated by M/s Damania Shipping (I) Ltd from October to May only.
Where to Stay?
Goa Deluxe Hotels - Aguda Hermitage, The fort Aguada Beach Resort The Taj Holiday Village, Majorda Beach resort, Bogmalo Beach Resort, Cidade de Goa. Panjim Standard Hotels- The Mandovi Panjim, Hotel Nova Panjim .
Other Hotels, Paying Guest Accommodation and many 'lower end' hotels available.
Places to visit
Panaji , Baga , Calangute , Sinquerim , Anjuna , Chapora , Vagator , Arambol/Terekol ,Bogmalo , Colva Old Goa ,Aguda Fort .
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