Celebrate at the Scenic Churches of Goa This Christmas
Christmas is a festival of Christians which is celebrated joyously on 25th December every year across the globe. People often go to church to seek a blessing from the god and to get a wave of inner peace. If you are planning to spend the vacation in Goa then you must visit some of the monumental churches. Goa is considered the party capital of India is known for its hip gatherings, dazzling shorelines, and a relaxed mentality. Tourists from all over the world come to visit the place to experience its legacy and explore the beaches of Goa. This is extremely blissful state to overcome stress and enjoy the serenity.
The grand design, superlative architecture and paramount religion make the place spiritual where people can pray peacefully. The churches are not only for the prayer purpose but also for its stunning Portuguese and Indian architecture. Some of the churches have been listed in the UNESCO Heritage site of Goa.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most famous and oldest churches which is located in Old Goa. Millions of people visit a church to give respect and click the photos of the casket of St. Francis Xavier resting in the mausoleum at the top. The quite interesting part is that his body kept in this casket miraculously in first-class condition for around 400 years. This Catholic church is also listed in the UNESCO heritage site.
Se Cathedral
Se Cathedral is to be considered the largest and best church in the world, which is located in Velha in Old Goa. It was constructed in order to celebrate the victory of Alfonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese ruler who captured the Goa city in 1510. This church is dedicated to St. Catherine and famous for the ‘Great Golden Bell’.The church has received the benediction of Pope in the form of the Golden Rose. The church has a beautiful architectural design where you are allowed to take photos of the building.
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was built in the 17th century which is located in Panjim (the capital of Goa). The building has a Baroque architecture design which will captivate the attention of visitors easily. This church has three altars: – the first one is Mother Mary, the second one is Our Lady of Rosemary and the third is the crucifixion of Jesus. Every year on 8th December the church is decorated with lights to celebrate the festival of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The Roman Catholic church was built by the Portuguese in 1661 which is located in Velha, Old Goa. A convent is attached to the church which is beneficial for the visitors as they get a chance to explore two stunning places at a time. Inside the convent, there is a museum where you can see the sculptures, paintings, and artifacts that represent the life of the late St. Francis of Assisi.
Church of St. Cajetan
The Church of St. Cajetan has a beautiful monument that displays the Baroque style architecture. It is located in Velha, Old Goa and very close to (1km away from) Se Cathedral. It is very similar to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome which gives you the experience that you are travel to Rome.