A two hour walking tour of what is known as Old Goa. Old Goa is a World Heritage site housing some of the most historically significant buildings and churches in the region. Among these are the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the remains of St. Francis Xavier are to be found, the imposing Sé Cathedral, the Church of St Francis of Assisi, the Chapel of St Catherine, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the Church of St Cajetan, the Chapel of St Anthony and the ruins of the Tower of St Augustine’s Church.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Bottled water
✔ Private local guide
✖ Food and drinks, unless specified
✖ Gratuities
Pickup Locations
1. OYO 9860 Alluring 1BHK
2. Hotel Martins Siesta
3. The Menino Regency
4. Hotel Miramar
5. Hotel Gautam
6. Neo Majestic Hotel
7. Old Goa Residency
8. Tenement House
9. Casa Colvale
10. Storii by ITC Hotels Shanti Morada, Saligao
11. Ocean Waves Goa Holiday
12. OYO 9411 Resort Calangute
13. Rustic Comforts
14. Surya Sangolda
15. OYO 12884 Neelratna Guest House
16. OYO Townhouse 041 Calangute
17. Dorress Inn
18. The Mint Goa
19. OYO 35537 Nihaan Hospitality
20. Lar Amorosa
Additional Info: MeetingPoint: Viceroys Arch, Goa, Goa Velha, Goa 403110, India
Hotel Pick up and Drop off can be arranged at an additional cost.
Itinerary
1
Old Goa
Old Goa, also called Velha Goa, is beside the Mandovi River in the western Indian state of Goa. The former capital of Portuguese India, it's known for colonial-era monuments like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, with the remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the domed Church of St. Cajetan, inspired by St. Peter’s in Rome. Nearby, the vast Se Cathedral, built in the 16th–17th centuries, has ornate chapels and a bell tower.
Duration: 15 minutes
2
Se Cathedral
The largest church in Goa, the Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine. Built in Portuguese-Gothic style, Se Cathedral has a Corinthian interior and Tuscan exterior. The main highlight of the cathedral is the Cross of Miracles that attracts a large number of visitors. The bell of Se Cathedral is one of the oldest in the state and is known as the Golden Bell.
Duration: 15 minutes
3
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Situated in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus was built in 1605 AD. The Basilica is home to the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier and is a monument typical of the classic forms of architecture introduced by the Society of Jesus, otherwise known as the Jesuits. It is the only church in Old Goa that is not plastered on the outside. The façade though un-plastered, is a magnificent example of baroque architecture combining elements of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian design, The interior of the church is a study in contrasts. The design in itself is simple, but the floor is laid with the finest marble, and was inlaid with precious stones. The retable of the main altar exhibits a huge statue of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder (along with St. Francis Xavier who was a founding member) of the Society of Jesus and below it, a small image of Bom Jesus (Child Jesus), the patron of the church.
Duration: 20 minutes
4
Viceroy's Arch
Brick & stone archway dating to 16th century, built over a road leading from river to town.
Duration: 15 minutes
5
Chapel of St Catherine
About 100m to the west of the Church of St Francis of Assisi stands the small Chapel of St Catherine. An earlier chapel was erected on this site by Portuguese conqueror Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510 to commemorate his triumphant entry into the city on St Catherine’s Day. In 1534 the chapel was granted cathedral status by Pope Paul III and was subsequently rebuilt; the inscribed stone added during rebuilding states that Afonso de Albuquerque actually entered the city at this spot, and thus it’s believed that the chapel stands on what used to be the main gate of the Muslim city, then known as Ela.
Duration: 15 minutes
6
Church of St. Francis of Assissi
Built in 1665, the Church retains the portal of the older original structure which was in the Portuguese–Manueline style. In contrast to the simple outer façade the interiors of the church are lavishly decorated in the Baroque style using Corinthian influences. The highlight is the main altar, which has fine examples of this kind of work. The altar is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and has above it a huge statue of the saint. Flanking the altar are paintings on wood depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• It is recommended to wear a hat / cap to avoid heat-stroke
• It is recommended to keep drinking water to avoid dehydration
• Preferably cover arms and legs (and/or apply mosquito repellent)
• Operates in all weather conditions (except heavy rain in July and August), please dress appropriately
• Please advise preferred tor tour timing while booking
• Although the tour can be done anytime between 8:30 AM & 4:30 PM, it is not recommended to do the walk in afternoon heat
• In case no timing is mentioned at the time of the booking, or withing 24 hours of booking, the default timing for the walk will be 4 PM.
