Churches and Convents of Goa

Goa Churches and convents became a part of the list of world heritage sites in India in 1986. The groups of monuments include Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St Catherine, Church of Lady of Rosary, Church and Convent of St Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan, Se Cathedral and Church of St. Augustine. The cathedrals and churches mentioned above are mostly situated at Old Goa and belong to 16th to 17th century AD. St. Cajetan Church was inspired by St. Peter's Church in Rome while Se' Cathedral belongs to Renaissance church models with a Tuscan exterior, Corinthian columns and a raised platform with steps leading to the entrance and an arch above its altar. Classical ornamentation of the Basilica of Bom Jesus boasts of Cornithian, Doric and Ionic pilasters.St. Xavier chapels are proud of their painted wooden borders with floral panels. The arches on either side of the main altar in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi look quite beautiful. The statues and idols in these churches, chapels and cathedrals mostly represent Mother Mary, Jesus on Cross and saints are mostly wooden and even masonry. All of them are delicately carved and painted. These churches are among the first that were made in India by the Portuguese and the Westerners that came and later settled in India. Goa is still the place with concentration of the most Christians in India. These groups` of churches at