DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Once the capital of Portuguese Goa, Old Goa remains the spiritual heart of the territory and is renowned for its baroque churches. During this tour you will discover the main highlights of Old Goa and the city Panjim.

Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This church gained fame throughout the Roman Catholic world for the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint. Ten years of traveling in Southeast Asia as a tireless missionary made his voyages legendary. See the richly gilded altars and the glass casket that holds the remains of St. Francis. The tomb is an ironic final resting place for a man who ardently refused such splendor throughout his life.

The Se Cathedral, sometimes called St. Catherine’s, is the largest church in Asia. It was begun in 1562 and completed in 1619 with funds from the royal treasury and the sale of crown property. Its architecture is an interesting mix of Portuguese Gothic, Tuscan and Corinthian styles. The main altar is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria; paintings depict scenes from her life and martyrdom. From there, it's not far to the Church of St. Cajetan, modeled on St. Peter's in Rome. Its neoclassical façade, with twin towers flanking the great dome, disguises an interior that is pure, unrestrained baroque. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon. Forgotten for a time, the last batch was removed only in 1992. On the way back to the pier, time permitting, you will stop briefly at Panjim to see the vegetable and fruit market.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Once the capital of Portuguese Goa, Old Goa remains the spiritual heart of the territory and is renowned for its baroque churches. This discovery of the main highlights of Old Goa and the city Panjim includes visits to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Cajetan.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00:00 Depart Pier for Old Goa
01:00 Arrive Old Goa and visit Cathedrals and Basilicas
02:30 Depart for Panjim
03:00 Arrive Panjim and visit local market
03:30 Depart for Pier
04:30 Arrive at Pier

Approximate duration: 4½ hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- It is recommended that guests bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and flat comfortable shoes
- Moderate walking and steps are involved

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