DESTINATION GOA

Destination Goa
natural therapy for your mind,
body and soul.

CHURCHES

Old Goa: 10 kms east of Panaji, lies the site of Old Goa, founded by Adil Shah in the first decade of the 16th century. It was being developed with a view to shifting their capital from Bijapur. However, Afonso de Albuquerque made short work of it when he stormed and took it over to house the center of power of the Portuguese colonies.
	Basilica of Bom Jesu: Built in the 16th Century is the most renowned of all churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church is dedicated to the Infant Jesus and is now a world Heritage Monument.
Se Cathedral: Most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. This Cathedral has five bells of which, one is the famous Golden Bell, the largest in Goa and one of the best in the World.
	Viceroy’s Arch: One of the gates of Adil Shah’s Fort.
Reis Magos Church: The Reis Magos Church was constructed in 1555. It is one of the earliest Churches built in Goa and the first in Bardez Taluka, dedicated to three Magi-Kings.
	The Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao (Bardez) was Built in 1873 in Gothic style. The shrine of the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus is located here.
The Church of St. Alex at Curtorim: One of the oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.
	The Church of St. Ana at Talaulim, Ilhas was built in 1695 and dedicated to St. Ana, is a remarkable piece of ancient Christian architecture.
Rachol Seminary: Situated just off the banks of Zuari river, 12 kilometers from Margao. In 1521 the Portuguese, first built a church, then a prison, later in 1574-1610 a seminary to impart philosophy and theology. The museum of Christian Art is housed within this seminary.
	Church of St. Francis of Assissi: The entrance and the choir are in Manueline style, the only one of its kind in the East. The adjacent convent now houses the Archaeological Museum.

TEMPLES

Shree Bhagavati in Pernem Taluka is reputed to be over than 500 years old.
	Shri Brahma Temple: Valpoi, in the village of Brahma Carambolim. This shrine belongs to the 5th century A.D. and is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India.
Shree Chandranath is situated atop a 350 -meter high hill at Parada, Quepem . Chandreshwar was the titular deity of the Bhoja kings who ruled Goa till the middle of 8th century. A Shivalinga is carved out of the rock which oozes whenever rays of full moon fall on it. The temple is so designed that the Linga receives moonlight on every full moon.
	Temple of Shree Mahadev at Tambdi Surla in Sanguem Taluka at the foot of the Ghats, is the only basalt specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture (13th century) still preserved in Goa.
Shree Mahalsa at Mardol 1 km from Shri Mangueshri temple.
	Shree Mahalaxmi situated in the village of Bandode, Ponda, is considered to be the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult.
Shree Manguesh Priol (Ponda Taluka). Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a landmark. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
	Shree Rudreshwar Temple at Harvalem in Bicholim Taluka the temple of Rudreshawar is half a km away from the rock-cut caves of Harvalem where the ancient linga of Rudreshwar is venerated in the close vicinity of the idyllic Harvalem waterfalls is close by with the image of Rudreshwar facing the waterfall. The temple assumes significance as Hindus perform rites for the dead here.
Shree Saptakoteshwar, Narve-Bicholim, was a favoured deity of Kadamba kings.
	Sapteshwar-Bhagvati Temple at Mandrem in Pernem Taluka. The complex has five temples, the main temples dedicated Shri Sapteshwar and Bhagavati.
Shree Saunsthan Gokern Partagali Jeevotam Math at Partagali Village on the banks of the sacred rivulet Kushavati was established in the year 1475 A. D. Vatavriksha (Banyan tree) and the Ishwar linga in front of it are worshipped by the people of Partagalli and adjoining areas. This place is popularly known as Bramhastahan. i. Shree Shantadurga at Kavelem has a rich and beautiful Garbhakuda or the Holy of Holies where the deity is kept. The temple provides lodging facilities to the devotees. ii. Shree Shantadurga: 14 kms from Mapusa at Dhargal iii. Shree Shantadurga, Fatorpa (Quepem), originally in Cuncolim village in Salcete Taluka, was moved to Fatorpa in the16th century during religious persecution by the Portuguese. One of the 2 most famous temples. Tapobhoomi complex at Kundaim is now a center of piligrimage for the students of Hindu culture and religion. The centre houses a unique Datta Mandir, Sanskrit pathshala, Chamber of Meditation, Ayurveda Centre, Yoga Anusandhan Kendra, Bhajani Vidyalaya, Bhaktoddhar Library, etc.

MOSQUES:

Jama Masjid at Sanguem was built in the last century and was completely renovated in 1959. Safa Masjid,the Shahouri Masjid in Ponda Taluka, the biggest and most famous of the Mosques was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur.