Dedicated to Christianity's most famous female martyr Catherine of Alexandria, the Se Cathedral in Old Goa was designed by Ambrosio Argueiro and Julio Simao in 1562 and completed in 1619. The result of a 57 year long period of construction was a masterpiece which successfully infused Corinth, Tuscan, Portuguese and Gothic elements of architecture within it. The Golden Bell which is rated to be one of the finest in the world because of its distinctive rich peal, is housed in this cathedral. To the right, lies the Chapel of The Cross of Miracles where Christ is said to have appeared here in 1919. Folklore has it that this cross has been growing bigger and bigger ever since. St. Francis Xavier of Assisi also baptized a number of indigenous Goans in the baptismal here.
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site area of Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesu houses the corporeal remains of St. Francis of Xavier, which have miraculously still not decayed but remain as fresh as ever. And this is no urban legend because once in every 12 years, the remains are exposed to the general public for veneration. This 400-year-old church stands straight with simple exteriors built using red bricks and sandstone however the interiors are adorned with some interesting paintings that depict the life of the saint. A magnificently gilded alter leaves many impressed.
Anyone who has visited Goa would have noticed the distinct cultural flavor that exists in the language, furniture, food as well as clothing of the people. However, after the rise in tourism as well as modernization, these characteristics of the Goan culture are slowly diminishing. Goa Chitra is an ethnographic museum which aims to preserve the craftsmanship, culture and art of the civilizations that existed in Goa previously. Founder Victor Hugo Gomes, who is a professional curator and restorer, is very passionate about the cause and has collected and preserved nearly 4000 artifacts, and his collection is only increasing. His main objective was to offer information to historians, anthropologist and the like and to anyone who is interested in Goan culture and art.
The term Immaculate has been derived from the Latin word 'macula', meaning clean and pure. Roman Catholics all over strongly believe that Mother Mary lived a sin free life, and thus refer to her as the 'Immaculate One'. Dating back to the early 1540s, a religious site solely dedicated to Mother Mary stands tall at the Main Square in Panaji. This massive white structure rebuilt in 1619, highlights marvelous Portuguese architecture. A scenic backdrop wherein swaying palm trees and steps inclined in opposite directions lead you to the main entrance. The interiors of the church are quite elegantly designed, with paintings and scripts from the Bible adorning the walls. Apart from the main altar, the crucifix of Jesus and marble statues of saints are worshiped as well. Religious services are held daily. However, the main celebration at the Church is the Feast of the Conception of Our Lady, held on the 8th of December. The church is an important landmark in Panaji and also forms an integral part of its rich history.
The Chapora Fort is a historic fortress constructed by Adil Shah--ruler of the Bijapur kingdom, to protect his domain from invaders. Affording breathtaking views from all sides owing to its fantastic location on the top of a hill, it was also extremely strategic from a war point of view. Later captured by the Portuguese when they took over Goa, this fort stands on the southern side of the Chapora River. It offers panoramic views of the Anjuna Beach on one side and tunnels on the other.
One of the most important forts in all of Goa, Fort Aguada is steeped in history. Located on one side of the shores of Candolim Beach, this fortress was built by the Portuguese to protect their kingdom from the Maratha and Dutch invaders. Strategically and ingeniously designed, the walls of the fort are huge with cannons attached to them. An interesting sight here is the spring that exists inside the fort, from where the sailors who landed in Goa drank water from. Also of particular note is the iconic lighthouse which served as a watchtower against impending marine dangers. Beneath the fort lies the Aguada Jail which was used to house prisoners who committed petty crimes.
Goan history is like an exquisite yarn spun by time. Even before the Aryans or the Portuguese set foot in Goa, Mapusa was a bustling market town in North Goa. Indigenous agrarian communities that existed then, began the trend that has continued over the years. Today, Mapusa is a commercial center and holds legendary markets every Friday that are a colorful sight to behold, benefiting both locals and tourists. The town comes to life during Feast days and festivities, as also local events thatare sure to keep you coming back for more. If you want to take home sweet memories of the city, booking a room at the Goa Tourism Developmant Corporation's Mapusa Residency is a splendid idea as the city has limited accommodation options. A must-visit while in Goa.
Usgalimal Rock Engravings, situated approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Margao, is a prehistoric site belonging to the Upper Paleolithic era. Discovered in 1993, the site displays evidences that traces the earliest human establishment back to approximately 20,000 years. The sight of more than 100 different forms of animal, human and labyrinth figures on the laterite rocks that are spread across 500 square meters (5380 square feet) is breathtaking.
Located in the tiny hamlet of Shirgaon in Bicholim is the Lairai Temple. The shrine is dedicated to goddess Lairai. The architecture of the temple is unique, with a dome and a tall pyramid like tower adorning the top. An annual festival called Igituna Chalne is held at the temple to offer praise and worship to the goddess. Thousands of followers flock to the temple each year to pay homage to the goddess.
If you talk about jewelry, then Cheshire Cat Gallery in Goa is the place to be at. This zone is dedicated to creating one of the best and globally recognized brands of jewelry called Van Andel & Peace. The collection has some exquisite pieces which are handcrafted by the owners and their master artisans and craftsmen within the building itself. There are so many beautiful pieces of jewelry on display and you can even purchase something if you like.
Located merely a distant away from the Shri Mangueshi Temple, the Shri Mahalsa Temple is a religious site solely dedicated to Shri Mahalsa Narayani, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Dating back to the early 17th Century, the temple has withstood it all; the Portuguese rule, the Maratha-Moghul war, and a few natural calamities. Well constructed with granite and wooden doors, the temple has a steady count of visitors all through the year who come here to worship the Goddess. Particularly notable in the temple are the wooden carvings of Lord Vishnu and the giant five level deepstambh (holy lamp). Prayer services are held regularly. The annual Zatra gathering, and the Khojagiri Pornima held here bring together devotees of different sects. Guides who are well versed even with the minutest detail of the temple will be of immense help while you are here.
Palace of Maquinezes or Palacio dos Maquinezes was built in the beginning of the 18th Century. It was owned by two brothers till 1842 when the Portuguese converted it into the Goa Medical College. Today the restored, heritage building is the home of the Entertainment Society of Goa, the partner of the International Film Festival of India. Its Roman, neo-classical and Gothic styles are retained in its windows, ceilings, stained glasses, porches, pillars and etchings. It features a conference room, media center, theaters, a conference hall, viewing rooms and an art gallery.