Old Goa City (World Heritage Site), Goa

Old Goa is the former colonial capital of Goa, with some of the most scenic churches in Goa. The churches and Convents are well maintained and worth visiting is you are travelling to Goa. The site is maintained by the Archaelogocal Survey of India, and is a UNESCO listed World Heritage site. 

There is a small village around the huge churches and convents. Some of these are still in active use, and others have become museums maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Cathedral of Saint Cajetan in Old Goa

Note: It is recommended that you visit this place on foot. And there there is so much of history in Old Goa, you must take local or Goa Tourism approved guides to get some vital information.

Note: There are limited restaurants in Old Goa and same with accommodations. It is best to stay at Panjim.

The village panchayat uses the name Se-Old Goa, while the post office, Archaeological Survey of India use the name Velha Goa. The place is called as Saibachem Goem (referring to St. Francis Xavier as Saib i.e. Master), Pornem Goem, Adlem Goem or just Goem in Konkani.

The ASI protected monuments in old Goa are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Some of the churches are living monuments, where mass can be heard and worship offered. There is no entry fee for admission to monuments as well as the Archaeological Museum which is kept open to the public daily between 10.00 am to 5.00 pm except, on Fridays.

History of Old Goa

Old Goa was a thriving city even before the Portuguese arrived in 1510. It had been the capital of the Bahmani Sultan Adil Shah. The large palace of Adil Shah, surrounded by fort walls, towers and a moat was located here as well as many temples and mosques. Unfortunately none of these structures remain in existence today except for the ruins of the gateway to the palace.St. Cathedral

After the Portuguese conquest, Old Goa went on to become a bustling metro glittering with gold and glamour. As its reputation grew, the fabulous city attracted visitors from all over Europe. Under the Portuguese the city grew rapidly in size and splendour, eventually coming to rival Lisbon itself. At the height of the Portuguese power, it was called the `Rome of the Orient’, its population surpassing that of even the European cities of London and Lisbon.

Afonso Albuquerque – the founder of Goa – built the first church here, that of Our Lady of the Rosary. He also built the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, that took 80 years to completed. The construction of Churches continued at a fast pace and eventually there were some 12 huge and magnificent churches and monuments roughly in an area of one square kilometre in Old Goa.

Location of Old Goa

Old Goa is located in North Goa, just 9 km east of Panaji.

Churches in Old Goa

• Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
• Se Cathedral Church
• Church of St. Francis of Assissi
• Chapel of St. Catherine
• Saintt Cajetan Church
• Church of Our Lady of Rosary
• Church of Saint Augustine

Places to see in Old Goa (Tourist Attractions)

• Museum of Christian Art
• Gateway of Adil Shah Place
• Viceroy’s Arch

How to reach Old Goa

It is easy to take a local bus from Panjim to Old Goa, private vehicles and taxis are too available to reach Old Goa.

Best time to visit Old Goa Heritage Site

The city no longer bustles with crowds and trading people, but with a little imagination, you can picture the thriving city that used to be at the site. Early morning and late evening (till 5.30) are the best times to visit the site.

The ASI protected monuments in old Goa are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Some of the churches are living monuments, where mass can be heard and worship offered. There is no entry fee for admission to monuments as well as the Archaeological Museum which is kept open to the public daily between 10.00 am to 5.00 pm except, on Fridays.