Old Goa Heritage Walk

What this tour is about: Old Goa was the thriving capital of the Bijapur Sultanate. The Portuguese captured the city in 1510, defeating the forces of Adil Shah. Under Porrtuguese rule, Old Goa soon became a major metropolis, competing with cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam. But the city was hit by plague in the 17th century, and never returned to its former glory.

In 1843, the capital of Goa was shifted to Panjim, and Old Goa was more or less abandoned. Today its beautiful monuments are a historical record of the evangelization of Asia. They depict the spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were established.

Your walk route will include the following:

  • The Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the remains of St Francis Xavier have been miraculously preserved since the 16th century
  • St Cajetan Church, one of the most beautiful churches of Old Goa, modelled after the St Peter's Basilica in Rome
  • The small Chapel of St Catherine, which Albuquerque built at the spot of the Portuguese victory over the forces of the Bijapur Sultanate
  • The grand Se Cathedral, the largest church in Goa
  • The Viceroy’s Arch, built as a memorial to Vasco da Gama by his grandson
  • The Church of St Francis of Assisi, a reminder of the Franciscan priests who came to Goa in the early 16th century
  • The Archaeological Museum, which houses a fine collection of artefacts from Goa’s Portuguese era

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Start Point: Gandhi Circle

Costs and Booking:
INR 850 per person for 7-10 persons
INR 1250 per person for 5-6 persons
INR 1750 per person for 3-4 persons
INR 2250 per person for 2 persons
INR 4000 for a solo traveller

Includes: Knowledgeable guide, personalised walk and all taxes

Prior reservation is mandatory. Email deepa@magictoursofindia.com or WhatsApp wa.me/+919867707414.