Historical Places to visit in Goa

During their roughly 450-year reign over Goa, the Portuguese built numerous monuments and churches, introducing European architecture. Also, you can find evidence of Muslim and Hindu dynasties in a number of other historical locations in Goa. Here are a few of Goa's stunning heritage sites that have had a significant impact on the state's history.

Ø Se Cathedral, Old Goa

The Se Cathedral was constructed to honour the Portuguese victory over a Muslim army

led by Afonso de Albuquerque that resulted in the conquest of Goa in 1510. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Catherine on the day of the victory, which also happened to be her feast day. During the reign of King Dom Sebastio in 1562, the church's construction got underway and got completed in 1619.

Se Cathedral, Old Goa

Portuguese-Manueline is the dominant architectural style of the Se Cathedral. The interior is Corinthian, while the exterior is Tuscan. The church is 181 feet (55 meters) wide and 250 feet long. A large bell known as the "Golden Bell" because of its warm tone is housed in the tower of the Se Cathedral. There are several old paintings on either side of the main altar, which is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria.

An altar is a table or platform used for sacrifices, religious offerings, or other ritualistic activities. Churches, temples, shrines, and other places of worship all have altars. In particular, they are used in some Muslim communities in the Caucasus and Asia Minor, as well as in Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and modern paganism. They were also utilized by numerous historical and medieval religions, such as the Norse, Greek, and Roman faiths.

Se Cathedral is regarded as one of the largest churches in Asia, which is located in Old Goa. One should visit here for sure, as it is one of the oldest and most celebrated religious places.

Time to visit – 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Location – via Panjim-Ponda Road, Rua Direita Road, Old Goa (13.1 Kms from Panjim)

Ø Aguada Fort & Central Jail, Candolim

Aguada Fort, Candolim

Aguada Fort is considered one of the best places to visit in Goa. This fort was constructed in 1612 by the Portuguese as a measure to protect themselves from the Maratha as well as the Dutch armies.

The Aguada Fort Lighthouse is Asia's first structure of its kind. It was once the 79 cannons grandstand, constructed in 1612. It has a moat, an underground water storage chamber, a room for storing gunpowder, a lighthouse, and bastions. On a hill on the west side of the fort, the Aguada lighthouse was constructed in 1864. It is situated halfway between Calangute Beach and the Mormugao Peninsula. In 1976, a brand-new lighthouse took its place.

Also present here is a jail that was used during the administration of Salazar. The Fort Aguada Central Jail was Goa's largest prison until 2015. It is a part of the fort in Sinquerim Village near River Mandovi in North Goa. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation has renovated the Portuguese-era structure from the 17th century under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Central Government at the cost of INR 22 Crores.

Aguada Jail Museum, Candolim

Aguada jail is having a museum, showcasing the freedom struggle of Goa against Portuguese rule. The renovated structure focuses on two special cells, where Freedom Fighters Ram Manohar Lohia and TB Cunha were imprisoned during their fight against the Portuguese. After 2015, the fort's jail was no longer classified as a jail and was no longer in use. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation decided to convert this jail into a museum.

Time to visit Fort Aguada – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Location - Aguada - Siolim Rd, Aguada Fort Road, Candolim, Goa (15.9 Kms from Panjim)

Time to visit Central Jail Aguada – 10:30 AM to 05:00 PM

Location – Aguada - Siolim Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa (15.7 Kms from Panjim)

Ø Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla

Mahadev Temple, Tamdi Surla

This temple was constructed in the Kadamba style using basalt, which was transported across mountains from the Deccan plateau and then carved by artisans. It is said to be the only portrayal of Kadamba architecture in basalt stone, that has survived and is present in Goa.

The temple, which honours Lord Shiva, is similar to the Aihole temples in the neighbouring state of Karnataka. According to local history, a large king cobra lives permanently inside the interior's poorly lighted space. The basalt-built garbhagriha, antarala, and pillared Nandi mandapa make up the temple. A stone ceiling with well-carved Ashtoken lotus flowers is supported by four pillars ornamented with elaborate carvings of elephants and chains. Inside the sanctum, a linga, a representation of Lord Shiva, is set atop a pedestal.

In the North East region of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, this temple is situated. The temple is located at the base of the Anmod Ghat, which links Goa with the state of Karnataka.

Time to visit – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Location - Panaji - Ponda Rd to NH748, Dharbandora-Bolkarne (Sancordem) Road, Tamdi Surla, Goa (66.8 Kms from Panjim)

Ø Safa Shahouri Masjid, Ponda

Safa Masjid, Ponda

The Safa Mosque, also known as the Safa Shahouri Mosque, is a mosque in Ponda, Goa, India. It is an Islamic monument from the sixteenth century. The mosque is part of a larger complex that includes a garden and fountains. A rectangular prayer hall is covered with terracotta tiles. It is a Monument of National Importance in Goa that is protected by the ASI.

The mosque was constructed by the Bijapur king Ibrahim Adil Shah I in 1560, roughly 2 kilometers from Ponda City's core. The mosque might have been built during the reign of Adil Shah or perhaps earlier. The actual year of construction is uncertain, though, as there is no inscription on the mosque and no mention of it in historical documents. The mosque was destroyed and torched by the Portuguese while they controlled Goa. Before it was largely rebuilt in the 1980s, the mosque was left in ruins. A well-built masonry tank with tiny compartments decorated with meharab patterns is located next to the mosque.

Location – Safa Masjid, Near New KTC Bus Stand, Ponda, Goa (30.1 Kms from Panjim)

Ø Palacio Do Deao, Quepem

Palacio Do Deao, Quepem

A Portuguese nobleman who founded Quepem Town and served as the dean of the church constructed this 213-year-old home. On the breathtakingly gorgeous banks of the Kushavati River, the residence looks out upon the church he built. It was constructed with a unique design that combines Hindu and Portuguese architectural elements. A further one of its standout features is the lush garden, which has long been regarded as Goa's most attractive pleasure garden and has managed to retain many of its original elements.

Time to visit – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Wednesday)

Location - Margao - Quepem Rd, Opp. Holy Cross, Quepem, Goa (48.5 Kms from Panjim)