The tiny piece of paradise-
Goa, lies in the West Coast of India and is spread over an area
of 3,702 sq. kms. With a coastline of 105 kms it is washed by
the Arabian Sea. Goa's outstanding attractions are its serene
and scenic beauty, diverse landscape- wide, sandy, palm -
fringed beaches, clean waters, delicious food and hospitable
people with a rich cultural milieu.
Goan culture is a confluence of many religions, faiths and
traditions. People from various religions live in absolute
communal harmony and participate wholeheartedly in the religious
festivals of others. The Portuguese invaders destroyed many
temples and mosques. As a result most of the temples are
relatively new, though some date back to over 400 years.
Goan churches are absolutely
peaceful and beautiful. The Church of St Francis of
Assisi, with its gilded and carved woodwork, murals and
a floor made of grave stones, it is one of the most interesting
buildings of Goa. The Church of St Monica is as
old as the 17th century. Se Cathedral is the
largest church of Old Goa. Built for the Dominicans in 1562, it
still retains its old splendour.
Old Goa - is located nine km east of Panjim
and is famous for its churches and cathedrals. The
Archaeological Survey of India has given some of the old
buildings a facelift by converting them into museums maintained.
The spiritual heart of Christian Goa, Old Goa has been given
World Heritage Status by Unesco for its extraordinarily grand
churches and convents.
Basilica of Bom Jesus - The 1605 church of Bom
Jesus, "Good" or "Menino Jesus", is known
principally for the tomb of St.Francis Xavier. In 1946, it
became the first church in India to be granted the status of
Minor Basilica. On the west, the three-storey renaissance facade
combines Corinthian, Doric, Ionic and Composite styles. The
church can be entered from beneath the choir, supported by
columns. On the northern wall, in the centre of the nave, is a
cenotaph in gilded bronze to Dom Jeronimo Mascaranhas, the
Captain of Cochin and benefactor of the church. The main altar,
beautifully engraved in gold, projects the infant Jesus under
the protection of St. Ignatius Loyola.
Vasco-Da-Gama - is on the narrow western tip of
the Mormugao peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari
River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, the port town of Vasco-Da-Gama popularly known as Vasco - was formerly among
the busiest ports on India's west coast. It remains a thriving
and key shipping centre, with container vessels and iron-ore
barges crowding the river mouths. Vasco is Goa's most
cosmopolitan city. |