Location :
Old Goa, 9 km from Panaji
Built In : 1571
Architectural Style : Baroque & Manuline with Tuscan exteriors
When To Go : September - November
Positioning of The Church
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is situated in the same compound, where
Se Cathedral is located. This beautiful church was built in 1517-1521 AD.
History
The origin of this church and the inter-connected convent can be traced to
the modest beginnings made by eight Franciscan friars, who, on their arrival
in 1517, secured from the Governor a few houses that belonged to a conked
Thanadar. By their continuous efforts, they constructed a small chapel, with
three altars and a choir. A church devoted to the Holy Ghost was built in
1521 and was later pulled down and the present church was built on the same
place in 1661 keeping back only the entrance of the earlier church.
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.
Other remarkable features are the gilded main altar and inscribed
tombstones paving the floor. The chancel has some exquisite 17th century
wall paintings and some paintings on the life of St Francis. The corner of
the façade holds the statue of St Michael and a wooden statue of St
Francis Assisi graces the pedestal in one of its chapel.
The Tabernacle
The tabernacle was used for displaying the holy religious ceremonies. Above
the tabernacle, in the main altar, is a large statue of St. Francis of
Assisi and an evenly large statue of Jesus on the cross. Beneath the two
figures are inscribed the three vows of the Saint - poverty, humility and
obedience. On either side of the main altar, in the nave, are beautiful
large paintings on wood, exhibiting scenes from the life of St. Francis of
Assai.
A Leap Into The Museum
Don't forget to see the archaeological museum which was established in the
convent in 1964. The grand gallery houses an exclusive collection of 60
portraits of the Portuguese viceroys and governors of Goa. You can also
wander around the spacious corridors and see appealing exhibits like the
statue of Albuquerque, a model of Vasco da Gama's Sao Gabriel. The museum
has a rich collection of paintings, artefacts, statues etc. Some Hindu
dietes can also be viewed like Lord Vishnu and a atanding statue of Lord
Surya.
How To Reach
This sacred site of worship is located just opposite the Se Cathedral in
Old Goa. This small piece of virgin land is situated on the banks of the
calm Mandovi River in east Tiswadi Taluka in Central Goa. Drive comfortably
on NH 4A, which begins as the Ribander Causeway, runs east along the Mandovi
River, through the pastoral area and continues south-east to Ponda.
