Situated on the banks of the Mandovi River in North Goa, visiting the Old Goa churches is like stepping back in time.

Old Goa, or Velha Goa, was under the control of the Portuguese from 1510 to 1961 and served as the capital of Portuguese India during the 16th and 17th centuries – and it shows.

Following the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510, Christianity was rapidly introduced to the region, leading to the construction of the beautiful Baroque and Manueline-style churches of Old Goa, many of which are still in use today.

This self-guided walking tour of the famed Old Goa churches will start at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and lead you through Old Goa until you reach the Church of St Cajetan. The journey is roughly one mile, or 1.6km, and can be completed in as little as a few hours.

• Location: Old Goa (Velha Goa), North Goa, on the banks of the Mandovi River

• Distance: Around 1.6 kilometres 

• Time needed: Two to four hours, depending on stops

• Best for: History lovers, cultural travellers, independent explorers

• Cost: Free entry to most churches, but small fees may apply for museums

You can complete the walk in one morning or afternoon, with plenty of opportunities to pause, explore interiors, and enjoy the surroundings. 

Old Goa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, largely due to its exceptional collection of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century churches and convents. These buildings reflect the spread of Christianity in Asia following the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510 and showcase architectural styles rarely seen elsewhere in India.

Baroque, Manueline, Tuscan, and Corinthian influences sit side by side, often adapted to local materials and climate. Many of the churches remain active places of worship, which adds to their cultural significance and living heritage.

While Old Goa is best known for its historic churches, it’s also a great starting point for exploring other must-visit tourist spots in Goa, from riverfront neighbourhoods to lively coastal towns.

This walking route begins on Monte Santo and finishes near the river, following a gentle downhill path. Allow time at each stop, as several churches have detailed interiors.

As you dive into the unique Old Goa church history, the first stop on your self-guided walking tour is the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Dating all the way back to the 1540s, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is the oldest standing church in Old Goa. 

Perched on Monte Santo (Holy Hill), it is rumoured that this is the very spot where Portuguese commander Afonso de Albuquerque observed his soldiers reign victorious over Goa in 1510. According to legend, he vowed to build a church dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary to give thanks.  

The church's design is simple. Built in the Portuguese-Manueline style, it is easily recognisable by its imposing three-story facade and two-story porticoes flanked by a pair of cylindrical towers. The church's main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, while the other two feature images of St Anthony and Jesus. 

• Opening hours: Generally open daily from 9am to 5pm

• Entry fee: Free

• Mass times: Limited regular services; Mass is usually held on special feast days rather than daily 

• Accessibility: Reached via a short uphill walk on Monte Santo; uneven ground near the entrance 

• Photography: Allowed, but avoid photographing worshippers during services 

Distance from Church of Our Lady of the Rosary: 7-minute walk (500 metres)

Also located on Monte Santo, the Church of St Augustine was built by Augustinian friars between 1597 and 1602. While this church was once one of the largest churches in Old Goa, it was abandoned in 1835 and began to collapse piece by piece over the next 100 years.

Visit the ruins today and all that's left of this once grandiose church is one-half of one of the church's four original towers. In addition to the church's four four-story towers, the original structure contained eight chapels, four altars, and a convent.

• Opening hours: Generally open daily from 9am to 5pm 

• Entry fee: Free

• Mass times: No longer active; no religious services held

• Accessibility: Open-air site with steps and rubble; not suitable for wheelchairs 

• Photography: Allowed and popular, especially in late afternoon light

Distance from Church of St Augustine: 8-minute walk (650 metres)

From the ruins of the Church of St Augustine, walk for 10 minutes until you reach the Basilica of Bom Jesus (meaning "Good" or "Infant" Jesus), the most famous of the Old Goa churches. Built between 1594 and 1605, this is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. While most of the other churches in Old Goa are whitewashed, this one is distinct with its red laterite stone facade.   

But the real reason why this is the most-visited church in Goa is because it contains the tomb and remains of Saint Francis Xavier, a revered 16th-century Roman Catholic missionary, one of the founders of the Jesuits, and the Patron Saint of Goa. You'll find his ornate silver casket in the chapel to the right of the main gilded altar. Every 10 years, his famously well-preserved body is displayed to the public in the nearby Sé Cathedral. 

If you happen to be in Goa on December 3, you can join thousands of worshippers who flock to the Basilica of Bom Jesus each year for the annual Feast of St Francis Xavier. This is a truly unique cultural experience and is marked by a festive fair and mass.

• Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5pm

  • Sunday: 11am to 5pm 

• Entry fee: Free 
• Mass times: 
  • Weekdays: 7am (Konkani), 8am (English)
  • Sundays: 7am and 8am (Konkani), 9:15am (English)
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds 
• Dress code: Modest dress required; shoulders and knees should be covered  

Distance from Basilica of Bom Jesus: 7-minute walk (500 metres)

From the Basilica of Bom Jesus, cross the street and you'll reach your next stop, the Chapel of St Catherine of Alexandria. This is not technically one of the Old Goa churches, but it's well worth checking out for its distinct white-and-brown facade. 

This small Baroque chapel was built in 1510 to commemorate the victory of Afonso de Albuquerque over Goa on the feast day of Saint Catherine. Pope Paul III granted the chapel the status of cathedral in 1534.

No longer in use, the chapel overlooks the Mandovi River and is on the same grounds as both Sé Cathedral and the Church of St Francis of Assisi. 

• Opening hours: Generally open daily from 9am to 5pm, though it may be closed at times 

• Entry fee: Free

• Mass times: No regular services; chapel is not currently active  

Distance from Chapel of St Catherine of Alexandria: 2-minute walk (150 metres) 

After arriving in Goa in 1517, a group of eight Franciscan friars completed what is now known as the Church of St Francis of Assisi in 1521, built in the Portuguese‑Manueline style. The church was later expanded and largely reconstructed in 1661. 

What you see today is an amalgamation of Tuscan, Baroque, and Corinthian styles. However, the Portuguese-Manueline doorway of the original church is still intact and is now accentuated by two grand octagonal towers. Step inside and you'll find a magnificent gilded altar, a series of detailed paintings depicting the life of St Francis of Assisi, as well as large statues of St Francis of Assisi and Jesus.

On-site, you'll also find an interesting museum housing artefacts, paintings, sculptures, and icons. While the museum is open seven days a week, the church is closed on Sundays. 

• Opening hours: 

  • Church: 7:30am to 6:30pm (Monday to Saturday); Closed for worship on Sundays

  • Museum hours: 9am–12:30pm and 3pm–6:30pm, daily 

• Entry fee: Free for the church; small fee may apply for the museum 
• Mass times: Limited services; not held daily for visitors 
• Photography: Allowed inside the church; restrictions may apply in museum galleries  

Distance from Church of St Francis of Assisi: 5-minute walk (350 metres) 

Next up on your self-guided walking tour is Sé Cathedral (St Catherine's Cathedral), which you'll find just steps from the Church of St Francis of Assisi. This sprawling white church was built to commemorate the capture of Goa by the Portuguese in 1510, the same day as the Feast of Saint Catherine. Hence, the church's dedication. Construction began in 1562. However, as the largest church built by the Portuguese in Asia, Sé Cathedral took nearly 80 years to build. 

The surviving tower (the second was destroyed in 1766) houses the "Golden Bell," which is world-famous for its rich tones. Other notable features of Sé Cathedral are the combination of Portuguese-Manueline, Tuscan, and Corinthian architecture, as well as the beautiful gilded altar and panels depicting the life of Saint Catherine. 

• Opening hours: Generally open daily from 7:30am to 6pm 

• Entry fee: Free 

• Mass times: 

  • Weekdays: 7:30am and 6pm

  • Sundays: 7:15am, 10am, and 4pm 

• Accessibility: Flat approach and wide interior, but limited wheelchair access to some areas 
• Best time to visit: Quietest outside of Mass times, especially mid‑morning  

Distance from Sé Cathedral: 5-minute walk (400 metres)

After a short and scenic stroll, you'll arrive at the beautiful Church of St Cajetan. What makes this place stand out from the other churches and cathedrals in Goa's old city is that it was constructed by Italian priests and designed by Italian architects. 

Completed in 1661, it is said that the Church of St Cajetan was modelled on St Peter's Basilica in Rome, which is evident in the church's magnificent dome. It's also well worth taking some time to admire the church's intricately carved wooden altar and pulpit. 

• Opening hours: Generally open daily from 9am to 7pm

• Entry fee: Free

• Mass times: 

  • Weekdays: 7:30am and 6pm

  • Sundays: Morning and late afternoon services

• Photography: Allowed inside; flash discouraged near altars 

Dress modestly: Unlike the beaches of Goa, Old Goa is conservative. You should dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Lightweight clothing is ideal, especially when walking between sites.

Be respectful: Most of the places on this list are active places of worship. Keep noise to a minimum, avoid flash photography near altars, and be mindful when services are taking place. 

Check visiting hours: Most churches in Old Goa are typically open to visitors between 9am and 5pm, with some remaining open until 6pm or 7pm. Opening hours may vary on Sundays, public holidays, and religious feast days. Visiting during major feast days can be especially rewarding, as many churches come alive during Goa’s religious and cultural festivals.

Mass times: Mass schedules differ from church to church and often change during major religious festivals. If you plan to attend a service, it’s best to check Mass times locally on the day, either at the church entrance or through parish notices.  

Located on Divar Island (aka the "Island of love"), Mercure Goa Devaaya Resort is just five kilometres away from the city of Old Goa via road and a short ferry ride.

Surrounded by green fields and the winding Mandovi River, this boutique waterfront resort boasts 60 Indo-Portuguese-style suites and villas, each outfitted with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee makers, and balconies with garden or river views.

Explore the palm-tree-studded property and you'll find a large pool lined with loungers, an outdoor game area, a spa, a fitness centre, two on-site restaurants, a bar, and more. It’s an ideal base if you want to experience some of the best places to watch the sunset in Goa, without venturing far from your hotel. 

To make the most of your stay, book direct on Mercure.com or the ALL app. You’ll unlock member-only rates, with savings of up to 10%, along with access to exclusive offers and rewards when you join the ALL Accor loyalty programme. Membership is free, and every stay helps you earn points you can use on future trips, dining, and experiences, making your time in Goa even more rewarding.

Is there an entry fee for Old Goa churches?

Entry to most churches in Old Goa is free. Some on-site museums charge a small admission fee, which usually helps support conservation and maintenance. 

Can you visit Old Goa churches without a guide?

Yes, you can visit Old Goa churches without a guide. Old Goa is well suited to independent exploration. The churches are close together, paths are clear, and information plaques provide useful context at many sites. 

What is the best time of day to visit Old Goa?

Morning is generally the best time to explore Old Goa, as temperatures are cooler and crowds are lighter. This is especially helpful if you plan to complete the entire walking route. 

Are the Old Goa churches suitable for children?

Yes, the walk around Old Goa churches is short and mostly flat, making it manageable for families with kids. However, some interiors involve steps, and children should be supervised in quieter, active worship spaces. 

What should you wear when visiting Old Goa churches?

Modest clothing is essential when visiting churches in Old Goa. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the route.