Church of St. Francis of Assissi

Location :  Old Goa, 9 kilometres off Panaji

Significance : Dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi

Attraction : Elements of Hinduism in the church

How to Reach : Local transport in Goa

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is located in the same complex as Se Cathedral Church. Built between 1517-1521 AD, the structure is simply stunning. In 1521, a church consecrated to the Holy Ghost was constructed but it was demolished later. Later in 1661, the present structure was built on the same place retaining only the entrance gate in black stone of the earlier structure. The church houses an educational institution within. The convent was closed down by the Portuguese Government in 1835. Thereafter in 1964, the church was renewed into a museum by the Archaeological Survey of India. Exquisite paintings of Hindu temple sculptures are displayed inside the church.

The Church is finely designed and constructed. It is smaller is size to some of the famous churches in Goa. The intricately carved altars in the church are breathtakingly beautiful. A painting that adorns the ceiling lends an extraordinary Indian feel. The exterior architecture is of Tuscan style while a blend of Mosaic-Corinthian architectural pattern adorns its interiors. Scenes from the Bible perfectly decorate the inner area of the Church. Refined floral designs carved on the walls further add to the beauty.

As you step inside the nave, you will be fascinated to see the profusion of a gold plate mingling with several colours. This consequently makes the the whole of the church look like a beautiful painting. The church has one main altar and eight side altars. Today, only three of them remain.