The town of Old Goa lies 9 km east of Panaji, along the Mandovi River. Old Goa once was the hub of Portugal’s empire in the East and Far East. Virtually abandoned after the river silted up and the new capital was set up at Panaji in 1843, all that remains of this once grand city are half a dozen churches and cathedrals that are considered amongst Asia’s largest. The Archaeological Survey of India has converted Old Goa’s ancient buildings into museums and the once glorious town has been granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO.

Old Goa had a turbulent history in the days before the Portuguese advent, under the Vijayanagris, the Bahamani Muslims and then as the second capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. The beautiful port of Old Goa, also called Goa Doirada, Velha Goa and Golden Goa, became an important trading post. Riches from all over the world flowed in at this port, and the town flourished. Splendid temples, palaces and mosques were built; the ship building industry and commercial centers prospered.

Nine kilometres east of Panaji, this site today stands reminding one of the golden years of Goa. It once had a population of two lakhs. The site was finally abandoned by Portuguese in 1843 when the capital was shifted from Old Goa to Panajm where it is till date. Old Goa is now maintained by Archeological Survey of India.


Old Goa is very important for Goans because of its churches. Especially the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept till date. Other attractions of Old Goa are Se Cathedral, Church of Our lady of Rosary, Chapel of St.Catherine. A trip to Old Goa will give you an interesting break from the beaches and give you a chance to peep in the rich history of the state. And Old Goa will come as a real treasure for those interested in studying historical architecture.

Old Goa is very important for Goans because of its churches. Especially the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept till date. Other attractions of Old Goa are Se Cathedral, Church of Our lady of Rosary, Chapel of St.Catherine. A trip to Old Goa will give you an interesting break from the beaches and give you a chance to peep in the rich history of the state. And Old Goa will come as a real treasure for those interested in studying historical architecture.

 Old Goa, by S Rajagopalan, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, is a good book about the sites in Old Goa. It can be purchased at the Archaeological Museum in the back of Sé Cathedral.

Old Goa Tourist Attractions
Viceroy's Arch Old GoaAvail Old Goa tours for a glimpse into the chequered history of this ancient capital.

Basilica of Bom Jesus
A must-have on the Old Goa tour, the Basilica of Bom Jesus church is dedicated to Infant Jesus. An epitome of Baroque architecture, this church has been declared a World Heritage Monument. Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. On the occasion of 'Exposition,' held once in a decade, St. Francis Xavier's body is displayed for the public.

Se Cathedral
One of the largest churches in Asia, the Se Cathedral was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria since the Portuguese led by Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa on the St. Catherine's day (November 25) in 1510. The church contains the Golden Bell used during the infamous Goa Inquisition.

Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) set up the Archaeological Museum in the abandoned Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The 8 galleries of the Archaeological Museum in Old Goa display portraits and sculptures from the prehistoric to the late mediaeval period.

Viceroy's Arch
The Viceroy's Arch was built by Viceroy Francisco da Gama, the grandson of Vasco da Gama. A statue of Vasco da Gama, resplendent in his royal uniform, can be seen on top of the arch. Built of laterite stone, the original arch collapsed in 1948 and it was subsequently restored in 1954. Tradition has it that on taking office, all viceroys made the procession under the arch where they would be given the ceremonial key to the city and Goa.