9 Must Visit Churches in Goa During Family Vacation

Goa, a place with an exotic landscape, pristine beaches, colossal monuments, churches, and bustling nightlife, is one of the most visited tourist places in India.

Goa tourism is centred around coastal areas and minimal inland activity. The state is flocked throughout the year with people from across the globe. Situated on the western coast of India, Goa lies across the borders of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The state of Goa is quintessentially a tourist spot. Of all the places to visit in Goa, the immaculate beaches, historical monuments, unique chapels and architectural churches are the highlights of this beautiful destination. Enticing the attention of tourists, Goa is not just the party capital of India but also a place dotted with beautiful churches all over. In case you are planning a trip with your family, then you ought not to miss visiting the churches in Goa. Goa churches offer a stellar blend of Portuguese and Indian culture voicing the essence of its glorious past.

Also Read: Travelling to Goa- A Concise Travel Guide

Whether you are a beach lover or a late-night party seeker, your trip stands incomplete without visiting the churches that portray the Portuguese legacy in India. So, let's have a sneak peek of various churches in Goa to relive the tradition and culture of this beautiful state.

9 Spell Binding Churches in Goa:

Sr.No	Churches in Goa	Opening & Closing Time	Mass Timings
1	Basilica of Bom Jesus	Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM	Sunday
			Mornings - 8AM to 9:15 AM (English)
			Evening – 6 PM (Konkani)
			Weekday
			Mornings – 7 AM to 8 AM
			Evening – 6 PM
2	Se Cathedral	All days of the week: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM	Sunday - 7:30 AM, 10 AM and 4 PM
			Weekday - 7:30 AM and 6 PM
3	Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception	Mornings: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Afternoon: 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM	Weekdays - 9 AM to 7 PM
			Sundays - 9 AM to 12 PM
4	Church of St Francis of Assisi	All days of the week: 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM	Weekdays: 6.30 AM (English) & 6.30 PM (English)
			Saturday: 5.15 pm (Novena) & 6.00 PM (Sunset Mass, English)
			Sunday: 7.30 AM, 9.00 AM, 11.00 AM (English)
5	Church of St. Cajetan	All days of the week: Morning - 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM Evening -   4.00 PM to 7.00 PM	7 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 7 PM
6	Church of Our Lady of the Mount	Mornings: 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM Afternoon: 3.30 PM to 7.30 PM	Weekdays – 9 AM to 7 PM
			Sundays – 9 AM to 12 PM
7	Chapel of St. Catherine	All days of the week: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM	Weekdays –
			5:30 AM (Konkani – Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
			5:00 PM (Konkani – Tuesday, Friday – Mass followed by Holy Hour)
			7:30 AM (Konkani – Thursday)
			Saturdays – 5:30 AM (Konkani)
			Sundays – 7:20 AM (Konkani)
			10:00 AM (Konkani – Chapters Mass)
			4:00 PM (Konkani – Our Lady of Necessities Novena followed by mass)
8	Three Kings Chapel	All days of the week: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM	Weekdays – 7 AM
9	St Diogo's Church	Monday- Friday: 8:00 AM to 12 noon Weekends- Closed	Sunday – 7 AM, 9 AM, 10:15 AM

 

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Carrying the remnants of the Portuguese culture, Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO heritage site and till date has the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. A plethora of tourists visits this spectacular church to pay respect or catch sight of the casket of St Francis Xavier that rests in the mausoleum built at the top of the church. What astounds visitors is the fact that the casket is said to have his body intact even after 400 years.

Emanating shreds of Baroque architecture, the entire church echoes peace and tranquillity. History of the church dates back to 1594 and is the oldest in the town. What grabs the sight of tourists is the surreal decor carved out of precious stones. While you are busy exploring the golden beaches, night pubs or the casinos, spare some time to head towards the churches in Goa.

Opening & Closing Time

Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Mass timings:

Sunday

Mornings – 8 AM to 9:15 AM (English)

Evening – 6 PM (Konkani)

Weekday

Mornings – 7 AM to 8 AM

Evening – 6 PM

Se Cathedral

Of all the dynamic places to visit in Goa, Se Cathedralis one of the biggest churches in Goa that offers an eye-catching view of its palatial architecture. Owing to the ambient beauty of the church, Goa witnesses tourists in abundance. What led to the formation of this stellar church was the commemoration of the victory of Portuguese over India. The same day happened to be the feast celebration of St Cathedral and so the name.

The church houses the Golden Bell and has attained the Pope's benediction in the form of a golden rose. Having a colourful aura, the church reflects an architectural style that caste the ethos of Portuguese and Manueline. Complementing the above, this church delineates Tuscan exteriors and elegant Corinthian interiors. Situated in Vehla, old Goa, Se Cathedral are the best across the globe and the largest of all churches in Goa.

Opening & Closing Hours

All days of the week: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Mass timings:

Sunday – 7:30 AM, 10 AM and 4 PM

Weekday – 7:30 AM and 6 PM

Also Read: Planning a Goa Vacation? Find Out the Best Time to Visit

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Thriving since the 17th century, this immaculate church is one of themandatory places to visit in Goa. The church is painted white and designed in the fad of baroque architecture. Being one of the most notable churches in Goa, the church offers mind-boggling views of Mandovi river, Old Goa and the Chorao islands.

Apart from the core altar of Mother Mary, the church is home to two other altars namely Crucifixion of Jesus and Our Lady of Rosary. After Se Cathedral, this church has a big bell tower. Being the second largest in the town, it is the main highlight that solicits tourists to visit this church in Goa. The Church is blanketed with lights and candles on the occasion of the festival of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception held on 8th December each year. Do not miss being part of this grandeur event, if you plan to visit Goa during this time. Voicing the culture and tradition of the state, the church is an eminent landmark in the capital city of Goa.

Opening & Closing Hours

Mornings: 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM

Afternoon: 3.30 PM to 7.30 PM

Mass timings:

Weekdays – 9 AM to 7 PM

Sundays – 9 AM to 12 PM

Church of St Francis of Assisi

One of the revered Catholic churches in Goa, Church of St Francis of Assisi is beautified with Corinthian and Baroque architecture. Interiors of this church enchased with ornaments weaving the culture of Goa. The Tabernacle inside the church holds two statues, one being of the Christ and the other being that of St. Francis of Assisi. The church also has a Convent in its premises which adds to the attraction for tourists.

Built during 1661 by the Portuguese, the interiors are tidy and well maintained. Also, the decor is simple, elegant and captivating. The convent hosts plentitude of paintings that paints the life of St Francis of Assisi in a single image. Among all the places to visit in Goa, this church adjuncts along with itself a museum that is the concoct of numerous sculptures, artefacts, and portraits. The church holds the remains of past in the form of items linked with the rich cultural heritage of Goa. Once you are here, you could blissfully breathe peace and awaken all your senses.

Opening & Closing Hours

All days of the week: 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Mass Timings

Weekdays: 6.30 AM (English) & 6.30 PM (English)

Saturday: 5.15 pm (Novena) & 6.00 PM (Sunset Mass, English)

Sunday: 7.30 AM, 9.00 AM, 11.00 AM (English)

Church of St. Cajetan

Deemed as one of the most beautiful churches in Goa, the Church of St. Cajetan was earlier named as The Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence. Located close to the St Cathedral, this church looks like the St. Peter Church in Rome. The church has been adorned with laterite blocks and bedecked with a Baroque and Corinthian style of architecture. Crafted in a rectangular shape, the interior of the church is decoupled into smaller parts. Each part has a few aisles flanked with huge pillars. Holy mother is the main altar you would find inside the church. Also, the entire church is bedecked with paintings, sculptures, and portraits of the holy family promising an ambient experience while visiting this stunning church. The wooden pulpit, extricate carvings, and the aureate altars offer a blend of culture and charm. While you are in Goa with your family and seeking places to visit in Goa, head out to this spectacular church in Vehla, Old Goa.

Opening & Closing Hours

All days of the week: 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM morning

                               4.00 PM to 7.00 PM evening

Mass Timings: 7 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 7 PM

Church of Our Lady of the Mount

Located on the hilltop, 2km east to the Central area Church of Our Lady of the Mount is one of the magnificent churches in Goa. The Church of Our Lady of the Mount is in close vicinity to Se Cathedral and induces the aroma of the adjacent hills captivating minds of all. An impervious path leads the tourist up to the hills where the church rests. The glimpse of the entire city of Goa turns visible as you stand on the edges of the hill.

The church has excellent architecture and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This church is deemed to be one of the best places to visit is Goa owing to the Grand musical event held in November each year. Though this church remains in solitude yet offers an eye capturing a view of the hills rising from the sea.

Opening & Closing Hours

Mornings: 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM

Afternoon: 3.30 PM to 7.30 PM

Mass Timings:

Weekdays – 9 AM to 7 PM

Sundays – 9 AM to 12 PM

Chapel of St. Catherine

Predominantly, an ecclesiastical Christian Church, the Chapel of St. Catherine is the first of its kind. Though the history of the church dates back to the time of Portuguese during 1510, yet the interiors and the architecture of the church remain majestic and classy. The church was then built to commemorate the death of St. Catherine and then went under multiple reconstructions. The church finally revived to life in 1952.

The chapel today is decked up with graceful designs that are stately made with window panes that ubiquitously define the interiors. A stone slab found residing in the church voices the fact that it was built at the time of Portuguese rule over Goa. Considering the fact that this church was once part of the glorious past, it is one of the historically notable churches in Goa and one of the best places to visit in Goa.

Opening & Closing Hours

All days of the week: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Mass Timings:

Weekdays – 5:30 AM (Konkani – Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

5:00 PM (Konkani – Tuesday, Friday – Mass followed by Holy Hour)

7:30 AM (Konkani – Thursday)

Saturdays – 5:30 AM (Konkani)

Sundays – 7:20 AM (Konkani)

10:00 AM (Konkani – Chapters Mass)

4:00 PM (Konkani – Our Lady of Necessities Novena followed by mass)

Three Kings Chapel

Another magnificent church in the list of churches in Goa is the Three Kings Chapel. Where we believe churches to cast a magical spell, bless grace and come to the rescue, this authentic church in Goa, boasts of the story of jealousy and greed thriving under the bed of negative/evil energy. Known as a haunted place in Goa, three kings church, as the name suggests, resides on the tale of three kings.

Three Kings once dwelled in the province of Goa. One of the three conspired to kill them to become sole ruler. He invited the two to dinner, mixed poison and murdered them. Though he succeeded in his attempt, the local public got to know about it and decided to punish the king. But before the public could take a step, he committed suicide at his place. His then house is the church today, and it has the bodies of all the three kings. No matter what, the church remains flocked with devotees throughout the year.

Opening & Closing Hours

All days of the week: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

St Diogo's Church

Last but not the least of all the list of places to visit in Goa, the St Diogos Church is one that is crafted out in Neo-Roman style. Built during the year of 1604, the patrons of St Diogo constructed this magnificent church. Designed in the style of baroque architecture, the church has three bells inside its premises, something that separates this church from the rest.

Opening & Closing Hours

Monday- Friday: 8:00 AM to 12 noon

Weekends- Closed

Mass Timings: Weekdays – 7 AM

 Sunday – 7 AM, 9 AM, 10:15 AM

Planning to explore the city of Goa? Club Mahindra brings you the best deals for your stay at Club Mahindra Goa Resort. Weave memories as you walk past the historic churches and spend some of best days while you holiday with you failing in Goa.

Also Read: 5 Offbeat Things to Do in Goa

The Club Mahindra Goa Resort is the ideal place to stay while you are in Goa. The hotel rooms are spacious and equipped with all the essentials. The hotel has a list of amenities to turn your stay warm and comfortable. Also, an in-house restaurant caters to your food cravings offering the best Konkan dishes you would find in Goa. So, while you plan to make a list of places to visit in Goa, Club Mahindra takes care of your accommodation and other needs. You can have a look at the Club Mahindra Reviews before finalising and heading towards an excellent Goa trip.

So what are you waiting for? Plan your family vacation with Club Mahindra today & have a pleasant stay at Goa resort with family.