The main tourist attraction of Goa is churches. The architecture of the churches is famous for their interesting blend of two or more forms of architecture. Old Goa is the world heritage site because of the churches here. This baroque architecture or the ornated altars churches were made in the time of Portuguese rule. The churches, monasteries, convents and temples remind who of the administrative capital of the Portuguese who nearly lost the place to the British and the Dutch.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The church located in the old Goa which was the capital city during the Portugal rule. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for the preserved mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier kept in a silver casket. The story behind the church is like this, St. Francis came to Goa in 1541 with a task to preach Christianity. After his death on the coast of China, he was brought to India but his body did not decompose. Even the inner organs were intact. This is indeed a miracle particularly when no embalming of the body had been done. The body is kept in a silver casket which is open to public once in ten years. Altars of the Basilica is richly gilded bur rest of interior is very simple. The walls covering surrounding the casket depict the life and journey of St. Francis Xavier. A modern art gallery is attached with the Basilica.
Mary Immaculate Conception
The marvel construction of this church attracts so many people to this church. This church is supposed to be one of the earliest churches to be constructed in Goa.
Reis Magos Church
This stunningly beautiful white monument church is visible from across the River Mandovi. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the Reis Magos village located in Goa.
Se Cathedral
It is nine kilometre from the capital city of Panaji and is in the old Goa. Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia and was originally built of mud, stones and straw. The Cathedral is a fine example of the Tuscan-Doric style of architecture from the exterior and the Mosaic-Corinthian style from the interior. The church is dedicated to St.Catherine of Alexandria. Se Cathedral was built in the 16th century under the Portuguese rule in India. This Cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world.
Church of Lady of Rosary
This church is one of the finest examples of Maueline style architecture of the early Portuguese. It is on the top of the Holy Hill, the site believed to be the very place where Alfonso de Albuquerque led his troops to victory in 1510 AD.
St Augustine Church
It is the most spectacular monuments in Goa and is a very popular tourist attraction in Goa. Combined effort of 12 Augustinians makes it real in 1602
St.Cajetan Church
This church is near to Se Cathedral church in Old Goa. The exquisite architecture of the church attracts numerous visitors towards it. The church is designed like the Basilica of St.Peter located in Rome.
The Church St.Francis of Assissi
This church is located in Old Goa at a distance of some 10 kilometres from the capital city, Panaji. The church of St. Francis of Assissi of Goa was build during 1517-1521 AD and is in the same complex in which Se Cathedral is located. The church is built in Tuscan style from the exterior and the Mosaic-Corinthian style from the interior. Archaeological Survey of India took over the church and converted it into a museum in 1964. The church museum showcases the antiquities, artefacts, painting and pieces of Hindu temple sculpture from Goa.
St.Paul Church
It is located on the route of Ponda from Old Goa. Local transport is always available to reach the church. The priests namely Diogo de Borba and Miguel Vaz made the effort for the church become true.