Old Goa Velha Goa

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Constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate in the 15th century, Old Goa Velha Goa (Velha translates to "old" in Portuguese) served as the capital of Portuguese India from the 16th century until its abandonment in the 18th century due to a massive plague. The remains of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

UNESCO Heritage Site

 

Declared as a 'World Heritage Monument' by the UNESCO, this basilica is dedicated to 'Bom Jesus' or ‘infant Jesus' and houses the remains of the holy apostle St. Francis' Xavier that lies in a silver casket placed on a marble mausoleum. Its construction began in 1594 and was completed in 1605.

 

Church Of Our Lady Of Grace (A Part Of St. Augustine Monastery)

Church / Monastery | Historical Landmark

 

All that remains of what was once one of Old Goa's tallest buildings, is half of one of the twin towers of the Church of Our Lady of Grace that was built in 1602 and originally measured 40 meters in height. The monastery was abandoned in 1835, following the eviction of the Augustinian by the Portuguese and in 1846 the monastery and the adjacent college were torn down, leaving only the church behind which eventually collapsed in 1931. In the foreground, a statue of St. Augustine is still visible.
 

 

Church Of St. Cajetan

Church & Pastoral Institute | Historical Landmark

 

This church was built in 1655 on the lines of St. Peter's Church in Rome by Italian friars and is located in the same premises as the Pastoral Institute of St. Pius X.

 

Gateway of Adil Shah's Place

Historical Landmark

Located left of Viceroy's Arch, stands the remnants of the magnificent palace of Adil Shah (the last Indian ruler of Goa before his death and defeat in the hands of the Portuguese in 1510). This palace was demolished in 1820 to provide building material for Panjim. What remains is the gateway with steps leading to original the palace, which was pieced together by the Archaeological Survey of India following Goa’s independence.

Viceroy's Arch

Historical Landmark

 

Built in honour of Vasco da Gama, by his great-son, Governor Francisco da Gama , this arch marks the former entrance to Old Goa from the Mandovi river front that was used as the main point of entry by the Portuguese viceroys. The arch was rebuilt in 1954, however, few traces of the original constriction still remains. 

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