|
|
Velha
Goa, the old capital of
the Portuguese, lying further upstream from
Panjim is
practically open-air museum. The magnificent 16th century city once known
as "Goa Dourada" (Golden Goa) rivaled the European cities in
splendour and wealth. Today some of the grandeur can be witnessed at the
imposing churches, convents and monasteries that remain. The majestic
Tuscan style
Se
Cathedral dedicated to
St.
Catherine da Se has some of the finest examples of the religious
art. Nearby is the
Church
of St. Francis of Assisi.
The
archeological Museum is housed adjacent to the convent.
The
Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the miraculously preserved remains
of St. Francis Xavier - displayed in an exquisitely crafted silver casket
resting on a multihued Italian marble base. A dome tops the
Church
of St. Cajetan close by, modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Halfway up the nearby Holy Hill is the massive
The
Church and Convent of St. Monica constructed in 1627 Ad, and at the
top are the majestic ruins of the St. Augustine's Church.
){kind=link}