Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 8.30am-5.30pm)
The gorgeous interior of this 1661 church, built over a 16th-century
chapel, is filled with gilded and carved woodwork, murals depicting the life of St Francis,
frescoes of decorative flowers and various angels, 16th-century Portuguese tombstones
and another stunning reredos.
portrait gallery of Portuguese viceroys, a couple of bronze statues, fragments of Hindu
temple sculpture and some interesting 'hero stones', carved to commemorate Hindu warri-
ors who perished in combat.
Museum of Christian Art
(
http://christianartmuseum.goa-india.org
;
adult/child ?30/free; 9.30am-5pm)
This excellent museum, in a
stunning space in the restored 1627
Convent of St Monica
, has a fine collection of 16th- and
17th-century Christian art from Old Goa and around the state. There are some exquisite
pieces here - wooden sculptures glittering with gilt and polychrome, processional lamps,
tabernacle doors, polychrome paintings and other religious objects from Old Goa's prime
- that are almost, but not quite, outdone by the atmospheric interior. The four-storey-high
ceilings, exposed wood-beams and terracotta-work, and all-around beauty of the place are
worth a visit in their own right.
MUSEUM
Church of St Cajetan
( 9am-5.30pm)
Modelled on the original design of St Peter's in Rome, the beautiful
Church of St Cajetan (1655) was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines, who
were sent by Pope Urban III to preach Christianity in the kingdom of Golconda (near Hy-
derabad). The friars were not permitted to work in Golconda, so settled at Old Goa in
1640.
CHURCH
Church of Our Lady of the Mount
For a wonderful view of the city, hike up to this hilltop church, also known as
Capela de
Monte
, 2km east of Sé Cathedral; it's especially worth the trip for a spectacular sunset.
(Locals will warn you not to go solo; the site is a bit remote.) The church is rarely open
but was recently restored and, with its exceptional acoustics, now hosts concerts during
CHURCH
