Discover why Old Goa is known as the Rome of the East on this guided walking tour of the city's historic centre, a place full of Catholic churches and reminders of times gone by.
Itinerary
Once the capital of Portuguese India, all that remains of the historic city of Old Goa today are a number of magnificent churches now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your tour of these ancient holy sites at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the oldest church in the region, having been consecrated in 1605.
Your next stop will be the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, also built under the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India, and the nearby Goa Archaeological Museum and the Kristu Kala Mandir art gallery. The latter, located in the grounds of the Church, is home to an extensive collection of Christian art. The gallery is housed in the old Archbishop's Palace, one of the most beautiful buildings in the area.
You'll then make your way to Goa Cathedral, also known as Se Catedral de Santa Catarina as it is the See or Seat of the Archbishop of Goa, making it the largest See in Asia. See the statue of Jesus located just next to the impressive Portuguese-colonial-style building.
Amongst the different historical sites that you will visit throughout your tour, you'll also visit the Gateway to the Palace of Yusuf Adil Shah; the Viceroy Arch which marks the entrance to the city of Old Goa, and the St. Cajetan Church. This last church offers incomparable views over the Mandovi River and Divar Island, a fitting end to your panoramic tour of the religious history of Old Goa and its people.
