Walking Tour of Old Goa's Churches

Discover why Old Goa is known as the Rome of the East on this guided walking tour of the city's historic centre, a place full of Catholic churches and reminders of times gone by.

Itinerary

Once the capital of Portuguese India, Old Goa is home to a number of magnificent churches designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your tour at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the oldest church in the region, consecrated in 1605.

The next stop is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built during the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India, and the nearby Goa Archaeological Museum and Kristu Kala Mandir art gallery. The gallery, located in the Church's grounds, features an extensive collection of Christian art within the former Archbishop's Palace.

You will then visit the Goa Cathedral, also known as Se Catedral de Santa Catarina, the Seat of the Archbishop of Goa and the largest See in Asia. Nearby, see the statue of Jesus next to this striking Portuguese-colonial-style building.

Throughout your tour, you will also visit the Gateway to the Palace of Yusuf Adil Shah, the Viceroy Arch, which marks the entrance to Old Goa, and the St. Cajetan Church. This last church offers views over the Mandovi River and Divar Island, concluding your panoramic tour of the religious history of Old Goa.