Rediscover the Grandeur of Old Goa Walking Tour, India

Firstly we will visit the Viceroy’s Arch, which was once the main street for entering Old Goa. It was built as a memorial to the achievements of Vasco da Gama, the famous explorer. Then we will visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in India. Next we will visit St. Catherine Chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. It was built by Alfanso De Albuquerque in 1510 when he defeated the local Muslim ruler Adil Shah on St. Catherine’s Day that is 25th November 1510.
The Chapel has rectangular window panes of the Old Portuguese style dressed in mica shells. Eight Portuguese Franciscan friars landed in Goa in 1517 and established the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The Church follows a mixed construction style. Tuscan order has been applied for the exteriors, while the main altar has been built in rich Baroque style with Corinthian features.
Then we will go to visit the next site. Built in Manueline style, Se Cathedral was built to showcase the Portuguese’s victory over an invading Muslim army in the early 16th century. The day of that victory is celebrated as the Feast of Saint Catherine. In the 20th century, Pope Pius XII presented the honorary ‘Golden Rose’ to the cathedral, which is now placed on the tomb of Saint Francis Xavier inside the cathedral.
We will go on to St. Augustine’s tower, which was built in 1600. It is one of the four towers of St. Augustine Church that once stood at the site. The Tower was meant to serve as a belfry and the Church had eight richly adorned chapels & four altars and a convent with numerous cells. We will see the Rosary church, the oldest surviving church in Goa. Afonso de Albuquerque, while fighting the Islamic army of Deccan Sultanate, took a vow to build this church as a token of gratitude to Our Lady of Victory. Its striking features are high altitude windows and round towers which makes it look like a fortress.

Highlights: Vice Roy's Arch, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Catherine Chapel, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Se Cathedral, St Augustine’s tower, Rosary church.

Departure: daily. Includes: private guide, refreshments, entrance charges. Optional: pick-up and drop-off.