Churches of Goa, the imposing monuments of old Goa, are the most evident heritage of the Portuguese. The white- washed facades of these Churches of Goa look very attractive with their unique architecture and intricate designs.

Most of the Churches of Goa date back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries, displaying a tiered frontispiece framed with columns and pilasters. Basilica of Bom Jesus and Goa Se Cathedral form the two main churches of Goa.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa was built in 1605, and has been declared a World Heritage Monument. The church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, who died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552. The following year, while transferring his remains to Goa, in accordance with his wishes, it was found that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. The Se Cathedral nearby is dedicated to St. Catherine, as it was on her feast day, 25th November 1510, that Alphonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. Earlier, it was at Se Cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public. Travelers Hub takes you on cultural travel to Goa where you can visit the churches of Goa.

Among the other popular churches of Goa is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, which today houses part of the archaeological museum. Exhibits include prehistoric items from a distant tribal past as also reminders of Goa Dourada or Golden Goa. It was the concentration of magnificent churches, symbol of a powerful conquering presence, which justified this last title.

The Church of Our Lady of Rosary is one of the earliest churches situated in Old Goa, crowning a hill, known as the Holy hill. In Panjim or Panaji, as Goa's capital is called today, the oldest church is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The huge Convent of Santa Monica, dating from 1606, was the first Nunnery in Asia. Today, after centuries of changing fortunes, it has been restored and is once again a residential convent.