7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus

Post Published April 9, 2025

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Beyond the beaches, North Goa offers a starkly contrasting glimpse into its past. The St Augustine Tower dominates the skyline of Old Goa, a lone sentinel marking the spot of what used to be the largest church around. Built by Augustinian friars in the early 1600s, this 46-meter tower displays an intriguing mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. While most of the Church of St Augustine has crumbled into dust, the tower itself still stands tall. Perched atop Holy Hill, it is now a UNESCO recognized location, representing a significant piece of Goa’s history under colonial rule. For those wanting to get away from the usual crowded tourist spots and see something with genuine historical weight, this tower, together with nearby overlooked sites like St Cajetan and the ruins of Our Lady of the Mount, offers a more authentic and less chaotic experience
Amidst the array of Goan churches that draw considerable attention, the towering remains of St Augustine’s church offer a starkly different encounter. This is North Goa’s grandest church ruin, dominated by its still-imposing tower. Erected in the early 1600s, the tower was once a critical component of a vast religious complex, reflecting the architectural ambition of its era. While much of the associated church structure has succumbed to time, the tower endures, a solitary sentinel crafted from laterite. Its significant height once made it the tallest construction visible on Goa’s landscape, a testament to the engineering practices of the 17th century. Interestingly, beyond its religious function as a belfry, local accounts suggest it also served a more pragmatic purpose, potentially as a watchtower during colonial times. Examining the ruins reveals construction methods of historical note, showcasing the use of arches and buttresses for both structural integrity and aesthetic design. Despite its scale and historical designation as part of a UNESCO World Heritage area, the St Augustine Tower often sees fewer visitors compared to sites like the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This relative obscurity offers a unique experience for those seeking to explore beyond the typical tourist routes. The site's atmosphere provides a reflective space, especially for those interested in architectural history and photography, where the decaying structure juxtaposed against Goa's natural setting provokes thoughts about time's impact and the challenges of heritage preservation. Moreover, the tower's construction displays an intriguing blend of design influences, hinting at a confluence of European and Indian techniques characteristic of Goa's colonial past, prompting further investigation into cross-cultural engineering exchanges of that period. Even now, evidence suggests that the tower’s structure might not be entirely original, with varying masonry indicating possible modifications and repairs carried out over centuries, reflecting evolving construction needs and technologies.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus - St Augustine Tower Still Stands Tall as North Goa's Largest Church Ruin
  2. 7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus - Church of St Catherine Marks the Exact Spot Where Portuguese Conquered Goa in 1510
  3. 7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus - Mae de Deus Church Offers Free Guided Tours of Gothic Revival Architecture
  4. 7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus - Royal Chapel of St Anthony Shows Portuguese Azulejo Tiles from 1681
  5. 7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus - St Cajetan Church Mirrors Vatican's St Peter's Basilica Design from 1661
  6. 7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus - Reis Magos Fort Opens Ancient Underground Tunnels for First Time Since 1993
  7. 7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus - Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount Hosts Monthly Full Moon Classical Music Concerts





a stone structure in a forest, Cairn dolménique du parc préhistorique de Bretagne.

Nestled in Old Goa, the Church of St Catherine stands on a spot laden with history, marking the very place where Portuguese forces initiated their conquest of Goa in 1510. This chapel, erected relatively soon after the victory, is considered the first Christian religious building in Goa. Its facade, rendered in contrasting brown and white, reflects a Baroque design. While perhaps less imposing than some of the grander churches in the vicinity, it carries considerable weight as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a designation it shares with other religious structures in Old Goa. Positioned a short walk from the Church of St Francis of Assisi, it’s geographically part of the area’s rich ecclesiastical cluster. An inscription within the chapel specifically denotes it as the location where Afonso de Albuquerque entered Goa. For those exploring beyond the commonly trodden tourist paths, the Church of St Catherine presents a less crowded, more intimate encounter with Goa's colonial past, a stark contrast to the often bustling Basilica of Bom Jesus. It’s a quieter corner of Old Goa, inviting a moment of reflection on the complexities of the region's history.
Located in Old Goa, the Church of St Catherine holds a unique distinction. It's erected on the very ground where Portuguese forces first gained control of Goa in 1510. Completed remarkably swiftly, in just about a year after that pivotal moment, this structure is a stark reminder of the swift assertion of Portuguese influence. Built from locally sourced laterite, the church presents a relatively unadorned Baroque facade in brown and white. While other grander religious edifices arose in Goa subsequently, this chapel retains significance as an early example of colonial ecclesiastical architecture, and is reported to be Goa’s first Catholic church. Its position isn't accidental; it's a calculated statement, placing a symbol of the new power structure at the very entry point of their conquest, once the location of a city gate. Though less ornate than some of the more celebrated churches nearby – places like the Basilica of Bom Jesus tend to capture more attention – St Catherine’s still features an altar dedicated to its namesake, hinting at Renaissance artistic influences in its detail. Perhaps its somewhat understated nature and current less-than-pristine condition contribute to it being overlooked by many visitors, but for those interested in the specifics of colonial history and early architectural forms, it presents a key point of investigation within Old Goa's rich tapestry of sites. Its proximity to the Mandovi River wasn't merely for picturesque views either; it was strategically positioned for access to vital maritime trade routes, reflecting the economic underpinnings of Portuguese expansionism in the 16th century.






Another detour from the more frequented heritage routes leads to Mae de Deus Church in Saligao. This church presents a striking visual contrast with its bright white walls and towering spires, an example of Neo-Gothic architectural style quite distinct from the Baroque churches more commonly seen. For visitors interested in understanding its construction, free guided tours are offered, explaining the intricacies of its design, including the characteristic pointed arches and substantial buttresses. Completed in the latter half of the 19th century, the church is also home to a statue of significant local importance, reportedly brought from older religious ruins in Old Goa. For travelers wishing to explore Goan heritage beyond the always busy Basilica of Bom Jesus, Mae de Deus Church offers a less crowded and architecturally noteworthy alternative, set within a peaceful, rural environment.
Saligao, a little further afield, hosts the Mae de Deus Church, a starkly white structure immediately identifiable by its soaring Gothic Revival design. Unlike the earlier churches which lean towards Baroque or Renaissance styles, this one ventures into a later European architectural fashion. It appears quite precisely detailed, and unexpectedly castle-like. Intriguingly, they offer free guided tours here. It’s stated these tours delve into the architectural specifics – the pointed arches, the buttresses characteristic of this style. One wonders about the origins of the design itself, how literally it adheres to European Gothic norms, and if there are any local adaptations embedded within. Given its late 19th-century construction, this church represents a different phase of colonial influence compared to the older sites we’ve seen. The mention of stained glass from Europe raises questions about logistics and costs at that time. A free tour sounds like a sensible way to examine the building more closely and consider its context within Goan architectural history, offering a contrasting perspective to better known sites like the Basilica further south.






brown concrete house,


Further venturing into North Goa’s collection of heritage sites, the Royal Chapel of St Anthony presents an intriguing case study in applied art. Here, the draw is the array of Portuguese azulejo tiles, specifically those dated to 1681. These ceramic tiles are more than mere decoration; they represent a distinct form of visual storytelling from that era. Originating from a tradition that blends Iberian and Moorish influences, azulejos in this context serve as both an aesthetic and a functional element, one imagines providing a degree of climate control within the chapel's structure, perhaps a rudimentary attempt at managing the intense Goan humidity.

The Royal Chapel’s tiles are said to depict narratives related to St Anthony, suggesting a deliberate deployment of visual media for religious instruction or reinforcement. Examining the craftsmanship, one can observe the techniques of 17th-century artisans, likely a mix of Portuguese and local Indian workers, reflecting the colonial labor dynamics of the time. The installation itself would have required some engineering consideration, given the need for durable adhesion to the chapel walls. It's also mentioned that the style transitions from Baroque to Rococo, which prompts questions about the timeline of tile creation and installation, were these added over time or a single commission?

Situated in North Goa, like the other sites mentioned, this chapel offers a different flavor of historical encounter compared to the better-known Basilica. One expects a more intimate and less curated experience here. The tiles, in particular, invite close inspection, not just for their artistry but also as material artifacts. Studies apparently have been conducted on their composition to assess longevity, an angle of material science adding another layer of interest. For those drawn to heritage sites beyond the typical tourist circuit, the Royal Chapel might hold a certain appeal, offering a quieter space to contemplate the intricacies of colonial-era artistry and engineering in a religious context. It’s a chance to see how these imported artistic forms were adapted and embedded into the Goan landscape.






Completed in 1661, the Church of St Cajetan in Old Goa presents a curious architectural echo of the Vatican’s famed St Peter’s Basilica, a bold statement for its time and location. Constructed by Italian religious order members, the Theatine friars, its facade is strikingly white, and the dome aspires to the grandeur of Michelangelo’s Roman masterpiece. This church, part of a broader UNESCO designation recognizing Goa's collection of historic churches, is a notable example of the region's interwoven colonial past and artistic expressions. For visitors keen to diverge from the more frequented paths in Goa, St Cajetan provides a less crowded yet equally compelling experience, a quieter counterpoint to the ever-popular Basilica of Bom Jesus. It is accessible to the public daily, offering a space for contemplation not just on its architectural imitation, but on the broader narrative of Goa’s heritage beyond the typically advertised landmarks, hinting at the rich, layered history available to those who venture slightly further.
St Cajetan Church, finished in 1661 in Old Goa, presents an interesting architectural echo. It’s designed in a manner that seems intentionally referential to St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The dome is the immediate focal point, clearly intended to evoke the scale and form of Michelangelo's work, though one might observe differences in execution and material. Built by Italian Theatine friars, originally calling it the Church of Divine Providence, the pearly white exterior and Corinthian columns give a certain grandeur. It’s worth considering how this ambitious design, aiming to mirror a landmark of European Catholicism, was realized using local Goan materials and skills in the 17th century. As part of the Churches and Convents of Goa, now a World Heritage Site, its historical positioning near the Se Cathedral places it within a cluster of significant religious structures in Old Goa. While the annual feast on August 7th and daily opening hours suggest ongoing religious function, the site's sustained draw as a tourist attraction is understandable, given the architectural statement it makes and its clear historical footprint.







## 7 Off-Beat Heritage Sites in North Goa That Rival the Popular Basilica of Bom Jesus - Reis Magos Fort Opens Ancient Underground Tunnels for First Time Since 1993

Further north, at the mouth of the Mandovi River, Reis Magos Fort has recently offered a new perspective on its historical structure. For the first time since 19







Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, perched above Old Goa, has found a rather interesting way to engage with its heritage – monthly classical music concerts timed with the full moon. It’s a curious concept, setting up a stage for Bach or Mozart within the walls of a 16th-century chapel built from laterite blocks and lime plaster. The chapel itself, while not as grand as some of the more celebrated churches, possesses a certain quiet dignity, a blend of Baroque and Mannerist styles that suggests layers of history.

These concerts, by all accounts, are not just about passively listening to music. The location on the hill, apparently, creates a natural acoustic space, amplifying the sound in unexpected ways. One wonders about the physics of it, the way the sound waves interact with the stone and the surrounding topography. And the full moon timing, while perhaps seemingly romantic, likely adds an extra dimension to the event, possibly drawing on older, pre-Christian traditions that recognized lunar cycles.

The organisers seem to be aiming to create an atmosphere, a confluence of music and historical ambiance, drawing in both local residents and travelers. It’s presented as a cultural offering, an alternative to the usual Goan nightlife. Post-concert, presumably, attendees seek out nearby eateries, potentially sampling Goan cuisine under the moonlight – a thought which raises questions about the local food ecosystem and how it supports or is supported by these cultural events.

This Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount event seems indicative of a trend – heritage sites repurposed not just as static monuments, but as dynamic spaces for contemporary cultural expressions. It’s a departure from simply observing old stones; it’s about experiencing them anew, through the medium of music. For those seeking a less conventional Goan experience, far removed from crowded beaches and package tours, attending one of these full moon concerts could offer a different perspective on this region's layered identity. It certainly warrants further investigation into how such events shape our understanding and appreciation of historical spaces.

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