Location :
Old Goa, Panaji
Built In : 1544
Architectural Style : Gothic Style
When To Go : September - November
Positioning of The Church
Considered to be one of the oldest churches of Goa, this massive structure
positions on the western side of the Holy Hill or Monte Santo dominating the
Mandovi river and Divar Island. It is located shortly to the west of the
Basilica of the Bom Jesus.
History
This blessed chapel was built in fulfilment of a vow taken by Afonso de
Albuquerque while, retrospecting the battle between his forces and those of
the Bijapur Sultan, at the same place on which the church stands. The vow
could be accomplished only after his death, since this church was built in
1544-49.
Architectural Beauty of The Church
The Church of St. Francis has been designed very profusely. The church has
a Tuscan facade and a Baroque interior. Its Manuline style doorway was
retained from the earlier church that stood in this place. It is decorated
elegantly with bold floral frescoes that have a touch of Indo-Portuguese
Baroque style. The Rocco-style carved floral pulpit from this church is now
in the church of St Alex in Calangute.
Beauty of The Church
Built of laterite and plastered with lime mortar, this Church is a fine
example of true "Manuline" style architecture of the early
Portuguese. The church is shaped up like a cross and has two chapels and
three altars.
The Chapels And Altars
The Church has two chapels and three altars. The main altar is devoted to
our Lady of the Rosary. The main altar has themes of cashews, mangoes and
flowers. Its frontage has the appearance of a fortress with openings in its
wall to visualize invaders. Its design is simple and concrete and in front
of its altar lies the tombstone of Garcia de Sa, one of the early governors
of Goa.
A Memorial of Dona Catarina
To the right of the main altar is a marble cenotaph immortalizing Dona
Catarina, whose marriage with Viceroy Garcia De Sa was performed by St.
Francis Xavier. The memorial casting from the wall, is carved beautifully,
with inscriptions in Portuguese and solid miniature pillars. The church is
open seven days from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
Feast Day
The people of Goa have special reverence for the church, as it connects to
St. Francis Xavier. Every year, in November, there is the feast day of the
church. The day is celebrated with fates, music bands, dances, apery and
fashion shows. It was held in great awe by the public as, it was here that
St. Francis Xavier used to teach catechism every evening to the public, who
clustered together at the sound of a little bell he rang.
How To Reach
It is located past to the convent of Santa Monica. Take the road going
slightly uphill south of Basilica de Bom Jesus past the school and library
and turn right at The Convent of St John of God.
