Old Goa or Portuguese Goa Dorada (Golden Goa) - for many years was the capital of India's colonial zone and the whole of South Asia, and hit the visitors with their magnificence and wealth, lived here more than 30 000 people. In its heyday was known for an amazing complex of stately buildings, churches, cathedrals and monasteries, the remains of which can be seen today. In the XVIII century the capital was moved to Panaji, but beautiful Christian churches, which are considered the most important historical monuments of Goa, in our time have been recognized by UNESCO world heritage. Most of the temples was designed by Italian and Portuguese architects have put together the various European styles - from Renaissance to strict magnificent Baroque and Portuguese Manueline.
Reference: Portuguese colonized the land, was brought here Roman Catholicism. Now Goa - one of the largest Catholic colonies worldwide, approximately 30% of the population - Christians. "Preaching Christianity in Goa engaged in the Order of the Jesuits, led by Francis Xavier. The first monks arrived here in 1560, their goal was the conversion to Christianity of local residents and instruction on the right path Portuguese colonists. The introduction of Christianity was very hard ways, typical of the Holy Inquisition - Hindu temples were destroyed, while the local population forcibly drawn to the new faith.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
One of the most beautiful Christian buildings in the country and one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. The church, whose name translates as "baby Jesus" is known as the place where the incorrupt relics of St. Francis Xavier, known as the patron saint of Goa. The building was built in 1594, decorated with white marble and precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. Construction of the tomb of St. Francis lasted ten years and was funded by the Duke of Tuscany (in exchange for a pillow out from under the head of a saint), was completed in 1698 . In 1946, the church first in India got the status of Basilica. When viewed from the temple take a look at the main altar, decorated with statues of St.. Ignatius Loyola and the baby Jesus, the tomb of St. St. Francis Xavier, the facade and a wooden chair basilica.
Reference: St. Francis Xavier (1506 - 1552 years) - a famous missionary who converted to Christianity hundreds of thousands of Asians. Member of the Jesuit Order and the pupil of the founder of the Order of Ignatius Loyola. Arrived in India at age 35, was a tireless preacher of Christianity, founded many churches and monasteries. Scope of its activities not only India but also South-East Asia. Returning from one of the trips, has died in China, his body was transported to Malacca (Malaysia's current territory), where it was discovered that the body is not subjected to decay. In 1554 relics of the saint was taken to Goa, where we carefully examined the remains and declared them Incorruptibility miracle. In 1622, Francis Xavier was declared a saint and in 1635 his relics were transferred to the church. Today the basilica is a place of pilgrimage for Catholics around the world.
Church of St. Cayetano
Built in 1651 by monks of the Order of the Italian teatintsev plan of the cathedral of St. Peter in the Vatican. This is a beautiful white building in the Italian Baroque style, with a dome and a beautiful vaulted ceiling. Near the entrance to the church has three altars. The biggest one is right and is dedicated to St. Caetano. Reference: The Holy Caetano (1480-1547) - Catholic priest, known for its spiritual and pastoral activities. Possessed the gift of miracles, is considered the patron saint of childbirth. In 1671 counted among the ranks of the saints. Teatintsev founded a monastic order (congregation of regular clerics), known for strict rules, educational and missionary activities. Order of the highly respected, especially in Venice and Naples, to extend its activities in many European countries. At the end of the XVII century the priests of the Order were sent to Golconda (India), but did not receive permission to enter and settled in Goa.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The church was built in 1521 by the monks - the Franciscans, dedicated to one of the most famous Catholic saints. Rebuilt in 1661 and represents a sample of Portuguese style Manueline (was popular at the court of King Manuel in the late XV century). In the design used by marine themes. Walls and ceilings are gilded and painted in the floor are gravestones noble Portuguese. At the altar - the figure of St. Francis and Christ. When viewed from the church, note the carved doors, chair with carvings, altar and a beautiful arch decorated with rich paintings.
Information: St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) was born into a wealthy family in the small town of Assisi in Italy. Founder of the Franciscan monastic order of the Roman Catholic Church, canonized in 1228. One of the first (not only Christianity, but also in Western culture) preached the unity of man with nature, love and compassion for all living things, trying to replace the idea of infinity sovereignty rights to the idea of equality of all living creatures. In 1979, Pope John Paul II named St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecologists.
Se Cathedral
The largest church in Old Goa and one of the largest temples Asia. Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, was built to commemorate the victory over the Portuguese Army Muslim. Was conceived as a symbol of imperial greatness of Portugal and is designed by Julio Simao and Ambrosio Argueyro more than 80 years. Built in the Tuscan and Corinthian styles. Facade height - 30 meters, the length of the nave - 76 meters. Over the temple stands a vaulted ceiling, main altar dedicated to St. Catherine's, gilded and richly decorated. A total of 15 building altars and eight hours, two of them have a great lattice. Near the entrance - a font, where Francis Xavier baptizing new converts Christians. The church is famous for the giant bell, called the gold for a deep, powerful sound, which he publishes. When viewed from the church, note the chapel miraculous Cross which is particularly revered by local residents and which is associated in legend.
Monastery of Saint Monica
Built in 1606 and rebuilt after a fire in 1636. Was the first nunnery in India. In 1885, after the death of the last nun, fell into neglect. Now here is translated from Rachola India's first museum of Christian art.
The church and convent of St. Augustine
The monastery was once the largest church in India, now in ruins. Stood for a 1512 to 1835, it was 8 hours, 4 of the altar, more than 100 magnificent tombstones. Today, preserved only in the bell tower of 46 meters.
Island Divari - Located close to the Old Goa can be reached by ferry. The main attraction - the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, converted an old tserkoa Divari Dame (1699 - 1724 years), as described sostaleno arhmtektorom writer and a monk Antonio Joroev. Beautiful Baroque altar and facade. The island reigns inexpressible atmosphere of colonial newcomers, here is the Ayurvedic resort Devaaya.
Busy trading center, not knowing the Portuguese invasion up to the XVIII century. Hindus took refuge here, fleeing the Inquisition, and survived numerous Hindu temples and Muslim shrines. More than half the population of Goa, Hindus, and local churches than anywhere else in India, marked by an amazing mixture of European Baroque, Muslim and Hindu styles of architecture.
Temple Shantadurga - The largest Hindu temple of Goa, is dedicated to one of the incarnations of the goddess Durga (Parvati), the wife of the god Shiva. The temple was founded by a warrior Shah, the grandson of the Maratha leader Shivaji and has a unique five-story octagonal tower, and lamp. From gilded roofs of the main hall hang enormous chandeliers, and in the main sanctuary are murti of Durga, Vishnu and Shiva. Interest and the huge chariots are used to prazdnetstve Jatra in October.
Shri Nagesh- Dedicated to Shiva in the incarnation Nagesh (lord of snakes). The temple is remarkable silver peshetkoy with animal and floral ornaments and has a water tank. The local Ling revered Shaivites and Vaishnavites.
Shri Mahalsa - Dedicated to Lakshmi, the female incarnation of the god Vishnu. Inside are beautiful carved columns with images of the god Vishnu and Kurme (inkarnatsmey Vishnu in the form of a turtle). The ancient shrine is a wooden structure with sloping roof and at the entrance courtyard carved musicians and warriors.
Temple Shrimangesh - Very rich and very popular temple of Goa, is dedicated to Shiva. This was brought to the lingam of the temple, which was ordered to destroy the Portuguese. Originally the church was small, but then in the middle of the XVIII century, the temple was expanded and built a large tower - one of the most famous in Goa. The temple was built in the style of Indian baroque. Inside, the sanctuary Mangesha, Ganesha and Parvati, hang Belgian chandeliers, close to the sacred pond, and nearby is the family home of the famous singer of songs in Indian films Lata Mangeshkara. Present during the holiday Jatra (April-May), Tutu held dance-drama.
Narasimha Temple Shrilakshmi
One of the most beautiful churches of Goa, the sacred pond and skilled gate, surrounded by forest. Majestic image of Narasimha (Vishnu's incarnation as a man-lion), was brought here from Marmagao at 1560h, respectively. During the holiday Jatra in the next Bashe arranged temple musicians.
Safa Mosque Shahuri - An unusual and very interesting building, the oldest mosque of the state, founded Ali Alilshahom. The building was damaged by the Portuguese who seized the Pond.
The capital of Goa, Panaji is located at the mouth of the river Mandovi and resembles a provincial town in the Mediterranean. The bay leaves Kurem picturesque Rua de Kurem, for which the entire mountainside is dotted with colorful houses Altino. In the old quarters hidden tiny churches and houses painted in bright yellow, green, violet and indigo, with tiled roofs, which is typical of old Portuguese houses. In the tavernas offering authentic local cuisine and give a damn about (the local brew of cashews), and the pastry cook sweets in t.ch bebinku. Many residents still speak Portuguese.
Church of the Immaculate Conception
High, snow-white building, which is located on the main square and dominates the city. Was built in 1541 and has long served as a landmark for ships arriving from Europe. Here, the sailors make and the prayers of thanks after crossing the ocean. The current view of the church adopted in 1619 and in 1871 built a large, impressive staircase leading to the temple. At the same time were added to the main gable and bell tower with a huge golden bell, shipped here from the Augustinian Monastery. Inside the church is an ornate altar and the remarkable frescoes. The church is one of the symbols of the city.
Secretariat
One of the oldest buildings of the city, here is the state legislature.
Statue of Abbe Furry
Statue of a famous hypnotist and mysticism (the hero of Dumas novel The Count of Monte Cristo "), who was born in Goa, he studied theology in Rome and later moved to Paris, where he earned the honor the father of modern hypnosis.
Institute Menezes Braganza (XIX century)
Built to promote the arts and sciences, is decorated with beautiful ceramic tiles. Now - the main library staff.
House of Braganza
Inspiring respect for the scale house of Braganza and his magnificent interior distinguish this sama grand mansion of Goa.
