Places to visit on Heritage Tour to Goa 10 Places That Tells About Goa's Rich Hertitage

When you think of Goa, you instantly envision booze, beaches and most of all parties and carnivals. Goa, however is more than just a party destination. With 450 years of Portuguese colonisation, this unique state has the richest of histories.

A heritage tour of Goa is just as capturing as its carnival life. Here are 10 places to visit in Goa to truly appreciate the rich heritage of the state.

* A Baroque Gem: The Basilica Of Bom Jesus

Located in Old Goa in Bainguinim, about 10 km away from Panjim, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is also known as St Francis Xavier’s tomb. One of the highlights of visiting the basilica is to view his body, still preserved despite it being over 450 years since his death.A part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa), the Basilica is dedicated to its Parton Saint St Francis Xavier. It was constructed during the period of 1594 to 1605 and is known to be the first minor basilica in India.

* Se Cathedral

Opposite the Basilica is Se Cathedral. Considered to be one of the largest churches in Asia, it is also known as Sé Cathedral de Santa Catarina. Dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, the construction of this church began during the 1562 and was completed in 1619. Also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa), this is one the most celebrated religious buildings in Goa.

* Reis Magos Fort

The Reis Magos Fort was constructed in 1551 by Alfonso de Noronha. In 1707, it was rebuilt and served as a pivotal site acting as a defensive wall during the war between the Portuguese and the Marathas in 1739. With a brief history of acquisition by the British army, it was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India and since 2012 it has been an integral part of Goa’s heritage tourism.

* Church Of St Augustine

The Church and Monastery of St. Augustine was constructed in 1602 by Augustinian friars. Now in ruins and marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa), it is considered as one of the biggest churches in Goa. The dilapidated tower on the front portion of the church can be seen from a distance and one can gauge the grandness of the monastery when it was completely intact.

* Church Of St Francis Of Assisi

This 17th-century structure constructed by the Portuguese is the oldest church in Panjim. Built-in 1661 by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars, the church is said to have originated as a small chapel but was later modified to a church in 1521. The church’s three-tier facade has octagonal towers on each side and in the central niche is a statue of St. Michael. Contiguous to the church. Goa’s rich and vibrant history is reflected in the artefacts, paintings, and sculptures which one can see in the museum that was set up by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1964.

* Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception Church

This colonial Portuguese Baroque style church has been famously seen in several Indian movies. First built in 1541 as a chapel on a hillside overlooking the city of Panjim, it is known to house the second largest church bell in Goa, today. True to its name, the façade of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is painted an immaculate, sparkling white.

* The Cabo De Rama Fort

Located in the Canacona region of south Goa, on the coastline of Goa, The Cabo De Rama Fort is also known as the Cape of Rama. The fort derives its name from Rama, from the epic Ramayana as it is believed that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana lived in the fort during their 14-year exile. Although in ruins now, this fort was once used a military base by the Portuguese army and later as a government prison till 1955.

* Mae De Deus Church

The Mae De Deus Church also known as the Mother of God Church is probably one of the most beautiful sites with its Gothic spires and pristine white walls. Constructed in 1873 by parishioners in Saligao in North Goa,known to be one of the best Neo-Gothic architectural monument. Located about 13 km from Panjim, on the way to Mapusa, it is a sight to behold with the attractive illuminations at night.

* Corjuem Fort

The Corjuem Fort is an inland fort that was built in 1705. It used to be a military fortress for the defence of the Portuguese in India, and today it offers breath-taking views of the Goan landscape and the Mapusa River from its ancient fortifications. Located in the village Adolna near the Mapusa River, this fort is on a prime location atop the island of Corjuem, North Goa.

* Aguada Fort

Located approximately 18 km from Panjim next to Candolim beach, the well preserved Aguada Fort is an epitome of Portuguese architecture. The fort is named after ‘Agua’, the Portuguese word for water owing to the fresh water spring within its battlements. This grand fort was built in 1612 to prevent the entry of ships into the Mandovi River and boasts the first-ever lighthouse in Asia which was built in 1864.