Goa, the 25th State of India was for a long time under the control of the Portuguese. In the year 1510, the Portuguese General Alfonso de Albuquerque defeated the Bijapur Kings and took control of Old Goa. Even after India�s independence in 1947 Portuguese refused to relinquish their control over Goa. Finally in 1961 the Indian Army as a part of �Operation Vijay� captured Goa from the Portuguese. This long association of Goa with the Portuguese rule saw the development of a large number of Churches in Goa. The architecture of the Churches in Goa reflects the culture and tradition of the Portuguese. Touristplacesinindia.com will provide you complete details about the Architecture of Goa Churches.

Most of the Churches in Goa were built in the 16th and the 17th Century AD with laterite and lime plaster. These churches are of enormous Historical importance and attract tourist from all over the World. These Churches in Goa has been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list for its wonderful architectural features. Some of the well known Churches in Goa include the Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis Of Assisi, Chapel of St Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Lady of Rosary, Church of St. Augustine. The architecture of some of the famous Churches in Goa is as follow:

Se Cathedral: It is the largest church in Asia and is built in Gothic architectural style with exteriors in Tuscan and interiors in Corinthian. At the main entrance there is a pediment supported by Corinthian Columns on plinths stands with Latin inscriptions. There are two marble basins inserted in the Corinthian columns for holy water. The cathedral has fifteen altars and eight chapels with the main alter dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The tower has 5 bells including a golden bell which is the largest in the world.

Church of St Francis of Assisi: This Church was built in 1521. Built in laterite and plastered in lime, the doorway of the Church is built in Manueline style. The interiors of the Church are in Mosaic Corinthian style with walls illustrating scenes from Bible. The main altar which is dedicated to St Francis is in Baroque style with Corinthian touch.


Basilica of Bom Jesus: This Church was built in the year 1605 and stands as one of the finest examples of Jesuit architecture. The columns in the fa�ade are a combination of Ionic, Doric and Corinthian styles while the beautification is in true Baroque style. The layout of the Church has got its inspiration from the Renaissance style. The interiors of the Church are in Mosaic Corinthian style. It is one of the richest Churches in Goa grand marble flooring inlaid with precious stones.

Church of Lady of Rosary: Built in 1544, this Church is one of the oldest Churches in Goa. The Church is simply designed and is one of the finest examples of Manueline style architecture of the early Portuguese. The Church built in laterite is plastered with lime mortar and has two chapels and three altars, the main alter being dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary. One can find Hindu influence in the decoration of the Church.

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