5 Best Churches of Goa (Old Goa and Panjim with timings)
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5 Most Famous Churches in Goa
Updated: 31 August 2025
The Old Goa Church Complex—part of the UNESCO World Heritage serial site “Churches and Convents of Goa”—contains several of the state’s most iconic churches and an ASI-run museum. If you’re taking the HOHO bus, budget 3–4 hours for churches, the museum, and the heritage lawns. The feast of St. Francis Xavier is commemorated annually on 3 December with novenas and special liturgy.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa
One of Asia’s most important baroque churches, the Basilica houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Its unplastered laterite facade and gilded reredos are standout features.
Public visiting hours (2025): Mon–Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Entry free; dress modestly.
Mass schedule (2025): Sun 7:00–8:00 AM (Konkani), 9:15 AM (English). Mon–Sat 7:00 AM (Konkani), 8:00 AM (English). On the 6th of every month: 10:00 AM at the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier; First Fridays: Holy Hour 5:00 PM followed by Mass.
Se Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina)
Among the largest churches in Asia, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. Don’t miss the giant “Golden Bell” and the high, vaulted nave.
Open (2025): Daily 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. Mass: Weekdays 7:30 AM & 6:00 PM; Sundays 7:15 AM, 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM.
St. Francis of Assisi Church & ASI Archaeological Museum
The 16th-century church stands beside the Archaeological Survey of India Museum (1964), which houses sculpture, inscriptions, and colonial art. Photography is generally not allowed inside the museum.
Museum hours (2025): Sat–Thu 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Closed Friday. Entry: Adults ₹10; children <15 free. Closed on public holidays.
St. Cajetan Church (Old Goa)
Inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica (Rome), with a hemispherical dome and twin belfries, this 17th-century church is a serene stop near the Se Cathedral lawns.
Open (2025): Daily 9:00 AM–7:00 PM. Entry free; maintain silence inside.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church (Panjim)
Perched above the Azulejo-lined lanes of Fontainhas, this city church is famous for its sweeping staircase and evening illuminations.
Mass timings (2025): Weekdays: 7:00 AM (Konkani), 8:00 AM (English), 6:00 PM (Konkani). Sundays: 7:00 AM (Konkani), 8:15 AM (English), 9:30 AM (Children’s), 10:30 AM (Portuguese), 5:30 PM (Konkani). General visiting outside Mass is usually allowed during day hours; check parish notices for occasional closures.
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