Background
The churches and convents of Goa, the former capital of the Portuguese Indies, and particularly the Church of Bom Jesus with the tomb of St Francis Xavier, illustrate the evangelisation of Asia. UNESCO says these monuments spread Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque forms to every Asian country where missions were established.
The monuments stand in Goa Velha, Old Goa, which was the capital of Portuguese India and a centre of evangelisation from the 16th century. Wikipedia gives three grounds for the listing: the monuments' influence on art across Asia, their witness to the work of evangelisation, and the presence of Francis Xavier's tomb in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
- 1510The Portuguese take Goa
- 1552Francis Xavier dies; his body is later brought to Goa
- 1605The Basilica of Bom Jesus is consecrated
- 1986Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Basilica of Bom JesusThe laterite basilica with the silver casket of St Francis Xavier.
- 2Sé CathedralThe largest church in Asia when built, with its Golden Bell.
- 3St Francis of AssisiThe church and convent beside the cathedral, now the archaeological museum.
- 4St CajetanThe domed church modelled on St Peter's in Rome.
- 5PanajiThe capital 10 km west, with its Latin Quarter and riverside; Wikivoyage's base for Old Goa.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Old Goa in a Morning
Not yet in a GoGo guide
- 09:00Basilica of Bom Jesus1 hrThe tomb of St Francis Xavier.
- 10:15Sé Cathedral and St Francis of Assisi90 minThe cathedral and the museum.
- 12:00Church of St Cajetan30 minThe domed church.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Nov–Feb. Rainy season Jun–Sep.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
