It’s 2024, and still, this land of fun, fling, and food is just like 15th-century Portuguese colony requiring just an eye-full of wanderlust. Yes, this side of Goa does exist! The beautiful churches in Goa with its superlative blend of Indian and Portuguese architecture provide a glimpse of this side which must be explored on your next vacay in Goa.
Have a look at these spell-binding churches and make sure that they feature in your Goa trip.
26 Churches In Goa For Your Next Trip!
If you are on a trip to Goa and looking for some of the popular churches, the you need to look into this curated list of most popular churches in Goa. Here are a few of the top churches in Goa that you should add in your itinerary:
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Of all the Churches in Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most frequently visited. Owing to its existence to Jesuits who came to India in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest churches in Goa dating back to 1594. With its elaborate works of precious stones, the uncorrupted body of St.Francis Xavier, and surreal works of impressionist painter, Dom Martin Basilica Bom of Jesus casts a spell of astonishment on each one who visits. It is also one of the most famous church in Goa.
Location: Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa
Year of establishment: 1605
Mass timings: Sunday Mornings – 8 AM to 9:15 AM (English) | Evening – 6 PM (Konkani) | Weekday Mornings – 7 AM to 8 AM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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2. Se Cathedral
Owing to its magnificent architecture the Se Cathedral is the largest church in Goa. It was built to commemorate the victory of Portuguese rule over India dedicating it to St. Catherine. Housing the Great Golden Bell and having received the benediction of Pope in the form of the Golden Rose, this place has a very vivid spiritual aura to it. It is also surrounded by some of the best shopping places in Goa.
Location: Velha, Goa
Year of establishment: 1640
Mass timings: Sunday – 7:30 AM, 10 AM, and 4 PM | Weekday – 7:30 AM and 6 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
3. Church of Our Lady of the Mount
Situated on the ‘Monte’ the Church of our lady of the Mount is the most famous old Goa church. Right beside Se Cathedral, this church offers mesmerizing views of Mandovi river, Chorao islands, and Old Goa amid the fresh ambiance of surrounding hills and has also featured in movies like All The Best and Zeher.
Location: Ella, Goa
Year of establishment: 1510
Mass timings: Weekdays – 9 AM to 7 PM | Sundays – 9 AM to 12 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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4. Church of St. Cajetan
Modelled on the St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican city, the Church of St. Cajetan is one of the most beautiful of churches in South Goa. With its Corinthian Architecture and Baroque style carvings, the church impressively portrays the majestic Portuguese Era and hence boasts thousands of admirers all around the world.
Location: Velha, Goa
Year of establishment: 1661
Mass timings: 7 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 7 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
5. Mae De Deus Church
With its unique castle-like architectural design and flawless white walls, Mae De Deus Church is the only church in Goa in the Neo-Gothic style. Possessing stunning gilded and carved embellishment including the miraculous Mae De Deus Statue, this church’s beauty with illumination is spellbinding at night. Thus, drawing more admirers at night. This church is also surrounded by some of the best beaches in Goa.
Location: Chogm Rd, Saligao, Goa
Year of establishment: 1873
Mass timings: Weekdays – 7 AM and 8 AM | Sundays – 7 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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6. Three Kings Chapel
Churches are built to bestow God’s grace and protection on humans thereby to evade the forces of evil. However, the Three Kings Chapel is one of the churches telling a tale of greed and jealousy through the presence of evil energy there. The church boasts innumerable ghostly and mysterious legends enticing many to visit this place to get a first-hand experience. This is one of the biggest reasons why this church is also listed in the top haunted places in Goa.
Location: Muder, Cansaulim, Goa
Year of establishment: 1721
Mass timings: NA
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
7. St. Diogo’s Church
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The St. Diogo’s church is a beautiful church constructed in a Neo-Roman style, built by patrons of .St. Diogo. The church is imparted with 5 baroque altars and 3 bells making it the most distinct of all the churches in North Goa.
Location: Guirim, Goa
Year of establishment: 1604
Mass timings: Weekdays – 7 AM | Sunday – 7 AM, 9 AM, 10:15 AM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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8. Santa Cruz Church
Beginning as a small place of worship, the Santa Cruz Church gradually developed into what it is today, serving as one of the largest parishes in Goa. As being constructed in the Neo-Roman style it is a beautiful blend of Indian and European culture revealing the glorious past of Goa.
Location: Santa Cruz, Goa
Year of establishment: 1547
Mass timings: Weekdays – 6:30 AM and 7:15 AM | Sundays – 6:30 AM, 7:15 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, and 5:30 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
9. Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
With its unique architecture and innovative makeup, the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is a very old gem in the list of churches in Goa. People visit this church with great devotion to experience the miraculous powers of the Lord. One of the best places to visit in North Goa, this church has a singularly distinctive appearance owing to the double flights of steps zigzagging across the hillside on which the church is situated. The church is famed for an ancient bell that is believed to be the second largest of its kind in Goa.
Location: Rua Emidio Garcia, Panjim, Goa 403001
Year of establishment: 1609
Mass timings: All days 7 AM to 5:30 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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10. St Alex Church
With a magnificent dome in the middle and two towers, the St. Alex Church is known for its unique architecture amongst all the churches in Panjim, Goa. The church is dedicated to St. Alex and Our lady, has an ornate grotto and seven altars giving it a distinct feature.
Location: Bardez Taluka, Calangute, Goa
Year of establishment: 1576
Mass timings: Weekday – 6:45 AM, 7:45 AM, 5 PM | Sunday – 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:45 AM, 5 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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11. Holy Cross Shrine
The Holy Cross Shrine is a bit recent composition as compared to other churches in North Goa. The church is revered by people of all faiths and is visited before any important ceremony. It is a beautiful illustration of religious harmony which can be caught sight of each day.
Location: Siridao, Goa
Year of establishment: 1995
Mass timings: Weekdays – 5:30 AM (Konkani ) 5 PM (Konkani) 7:30 AM (Konkani) | Sundays – 7:20 AM (Konkani), 10 AM (Konkani – Chapters Mass)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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12. St. Andrew’s Church
This gracious building of white facade has one of the most beautifully ornamented interiors in comparison to other churches in Goa. With a golden pure tinge to its interior and well-maintained grottos, St.Andrew’s Church is the most famous site in Vasco.
Location: Mormugao district near Panjim, Vasco Da Gama, India
Year of establishment: 1570
Mass timings: Weekdays – 5.30 AM to 7 AM, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM | Sunday – 5.30 AM to 7 AM, 9 AM to 5 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
13. Our Lady of the Lourdes Church
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With a bell at the top and Neo-Roman style architecture, this church is quite small as compared to other churches in the town, but has expanded eventually owing to a number of believers it receives. The painted glass and white facade of the church gives a serene touch to it.
Location: Near Railway Crossing, Utorda, Goa.
Year of establishment: 1913
Mass timings: Weekdays – 6:30 AM | Sunday – 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 5 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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14. Church of the Cross of Miracles
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This 16th- century edifice still standing as a steady building is a perfect example of strength and fortitude. Although now it stands as a historical ruin as amongst the churches in North Goa, this place draws an enormous amount of visitors who just want to experience the miraculous powers this place has.
Location: Bainguinim, Goa
Year of establishment: 1619
Mass timings: The 23rd day of every month; 29th November (annual mass)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
15. St. Clara’s Church
St. Clara’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Goa. The surrounding lush green forests and a pure white exterior gives a fairy-tale like impression to every visitor. However, its past was not so peaceful as it is now. The church had been attacked several times and was reconstructed each time displaying its strength and people’s perseverance.
Location: Assonora, Goa
Year of establishment: 1768
Mass timings: Weekdays – 6:45 AM (Konkani) | Sundays – 7 AM (Konkani) 8:30 AM (Konkani & English on the 2nd Sunday)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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16. Chapel of Saint Sebastian
This small white-coloured church is a notable tourist attraction of Panjim. The believe that is attached to this famous church in Panjim is that the “striking crucifix,” which was originally placed in the Palace of Inquisition, has the powers to punish and reward people according to their deeds.
Location: Altinho, Panjim, Goa 403001
Year of establishment: 1818
Mass timings: Weekdays – 6:45 AM | Sunday – 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM and 8:45 AM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
17. Our Lady of Penha de Franca Church
Located on the banks of Mandovi river, Our Lady of Penha de Franca Church is one of the most beautiful of churches. The church is bestowed not only with scenic beauty but also has beautifully embellished interiors reflecting the creativity of those times.
Location: Britona Road, Bardez, Goa.
Year of establishment: 1655
Mass timings: Weekdays – 6:30 AM (Konkani), 7:15 AM (Konkani) and 8 AM (Konkani) | Sundays – 6:15 AM (Konkani), 7:30 AM (Konkani) and 9 AM (Konkani)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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18. Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The St Francis Church Goa was established by the Franciscan Friars, and is a stunning mash-up of Tuscan, baroque and Corinthian styles, making it different from other churches in the town. Besides housing a convent, the most distinguishing feature of this church, it also includes a Museum showcasing paintings, sculptures, and artifacts which provide a glimpse of Goa’s culture and past.
Location: Off National Highway 4, Velha Goa
Year of establishment: 1661
Mass timings: Weekdays – 5 PM (English) | Sunday – 9 AM & 11 AM (English) and 5 PM (Konkani)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
19. St. John the Baptist Church
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The St. John the Baptist Church, is one of the most famous church in Goa. Situated on top of the hill, it has the most elegant of altars and galleries inducing people to visit this white-washed church.
Location: Benaulim, Goa
Year of establishment: 1956
Mass timings: Weekdays – 7 AM (Konkani) | Sundays – 6:15 AM (Konkani) & 7:45 PM (Konkani)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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20. St. Elizabeth’s Church
Image Courtesy: Barreto Miranda
With Christ’s statue featuring at the top of the church, St. Elizabeth’s Church is one of the Old Goa church built in the elegant Mannerist style and including rococo features. Although once destroyed in a heavy storm, St. Elizabeth’s Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Goa owing to its good maintenance throughout the year.
Location: Aldona, Balbot, Ucassaim, Goa
Year of establishment: 1708
Mass timings: Sunday & Saturday – 6 AM to 7 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
21. Chapel of St Catherine
The Chapel of St Catherine of Alexandria is one of the fAMous churches in Goa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the Old Goa region in the same compound as the Se Cathedral as well as the Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The Baroque style of architecture was prominent during the time of its construction and the same can be witnessed with its brown and white facades.
Location: North Goa, Goa 403110
Year of establishment: 1510
Mass timings: Sundays – 7:20 AM, 10:00 AM (Konkani – Chapters Mass)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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22. Church Of The Holy Spirit
Built by the Jesuit missionaries, the Church Of The Holy Spirit has carried the legacy of being one of the fAMous churches in Goa. Another church with Its architecture similar to the Indian baroque style. The outer facade is white facade while the towers on either side have a central dome structure. The very impressive ornAMental screens are dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is known to host about 2900 catholic families.
Location: Holy Spirit Rd, Borda, Margao, Goa 403601
Year of establishment: 1564
Mass timings: Weekdays 6:30 AM (Konkani), 7:15 AM (Konkani), 8:00 AM (Konkani), 5:30 PM (Konkani – Only on Wednesdays – Novena Mass), 5:45 PM (Konkani – Only on 1st Friday – Adoration Mass), Saturdays – 6:30 AM (Konkani), 7:15 AM (Konkani), 8:00 AM (Konkani), 6:00 PM (Konkani – Sunday Liturgy), Sundays – 6:00 AM (Konkani), 7:00 AM (Konkani), 8:00 AM (Konkani), 9:15 AM (English), 10:30 AM (Konkani)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
23. Church Of Our Lady Of The Rosary
The Church Of Our Lady Of The Rosary is another of the unique churches in Goa built during the times of Portuguese colonization. This church is a part of the collection, belonging to the World Heritage Site of churches and convents of Goa. It is one of the oldest preserved buildings in Old Goa. It stands as a testimony of the early Christianization of Goa. With its architecture and monumental stand, it is listed in the monuments of Archaeological Survey of India.
Location: Bainguinim, Goa 403110
Year of establishment: 1543
Mass timings: Sunday Mass (Konkani) – 6:30 AM, 8:15 AM, Sunday Mass (English) – 9:30 AM, Daily Mass (English) – 7:30 AM, Daily Mass in (Konkani) – 6:45 AM (6:00 PM on Wed), Saturday Mass (English) – 6:30 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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24. St. Augustine Church
The St. Augustine Church is one of the many famous churches in Goa due to its ancient ruins and its lofty remains. Located very close to the Nunnery of Santa Monica, the church has a tower that has proudly stood over the ravage of time. It was perhaps one of the biggest churches in Goa, at a time but is now a ruin, deserted but has its glory days behind it. You can explore this fabulous church remains.
Location: Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Goa Velha, Goa 403402
Year of establishment: 1602
Mass timings: NA
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
25. Our Lady of Mercês Church
Our Lady of Mercês Church is also popularly known as the ‘Nossa Senhora das Mercês Igreja em Mercês, in Portuguese. It was originally built as a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Mercês. The Church converted to a parish later and a new parochial residence was inaugurated in the church in November, 1997.
Location: Colva Beach Road, Near Infant Jesus High School, Colva, Goa 403708
Year of establishment: 1600
Mass timings: Weekdays – 7:00 AM (Konkani), 7:45 AM (Konkani), Saturdays – 7:00 AM (Konkani), 7:45 AM (Konkani), Sundays – 5:45 AM (Konkani), 7:00 AM (Konkani), 8:15 AM (Konkani), 9:30 AM (English)
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
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26. Church & Convent of St. Monica
Another of the famous churches in Goa is located on a hill behind the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Church & Convent of St. Monica has a mysterious aura signifying beauty surrounding it. It has been built like a fortress and looks more like a grand old building which has stood over the years.
Location: Monte Santo, Goa Velha, Goa 403110
Year of establishment: 1627
Mass timings: Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM & 5:00 PM
How to reach: Bus, taxis, autos, public transportation
Why Visit Churches In Goa?
- You get to witness the 15th-century sophisticated architectural creativity of Portuguese combined with the skilled efforts of our Indian workers
- Lets you know about some unknown facts attached to the religious traditions and rituals of Goa
- You get to hear the historical tales of Portuguese rule
- Next time someone asks you about Goa, tell them there is more to Goa besides parties and beaches
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Tempting, aren’t they! These stunning churches in Goa definitely deserve a visit on your next trip to Goa. You can explore these through the choicest of customizable and budget-friendly Goa tour packages offered by verified agents in TravelTriangle that let you explore Goa on your terms. Know of any more stunning Goa churches? Put them in the comments below!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Churches In Goa
What is the best time to visit Goa?
The best time to visit Goa is from mid-November till mid-February. However, the weather is pleasurable throughout the year which contributes to the enormous amount of visitors it attracts.
What are the major festivals in Goa?
The major festivals celebrated in Goa are Shigmo, Three Kings Feast, St. Xavier’s feast, Christmas, Sao Joao festival, Bonderam festival, and much more.
What is the Feast of the 3 Kings?
The Feast of The Three Kings is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6th January in the memory of the 3 Wise Men (also called the Three Kings) who visited Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
What are the backpack essentials when visiting Goa?
The backpack essentials must include sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit, hats, toiletries and medical supplies and the necessary items of the day or anything that you might find important.
How to reach Goa?
Goa is well connected to both major and minor Indian cities through major modes of transport.
By Air: The Dabolim Airport, Panjim and Mumbai International Airport are the nearest airports to reach Goa.
By Train: Madgaon Railway Station and Thivim Railway Station are the two railway stations located in Goa.
By Road: Goa is connected through NH 4A, NH 17, NH 17A hence one can reach Goa via these highways ensuring that Goa road trip is a good option.
How many days are enough for travel in Goa?
Goa is a vast destination but at least a week is enough to cover the variety of Goa. You can also plan a long weekend getaway to explore the best of Goa on a slower pace too.
Is the Three Kings Chapel haunted?
Not as such. However, the church has an evil past full of resembling stories that have vastly added to the rumors surrounding the chapel.
Is there a dress code to visit churches in Goa?
Yes, you should dress modestly and decently keeping in mind the sacredness of a religious place. Make sure that you do not hurt any cultural sentiments when on your trip to spiritual attractions.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
