Basilica de Bom Jesus

The Jesuits started building in 1594 and finished in 1605. The mortal remains of Goa's patron saint, St Francis Xavier and housed inside. It is the only Goan church not covered in white lime plaster.

St Francis Xavier

Francis xavier arrived in Goa in 1542, aged 36. He is reputed to have converted 30,000 people before he died of China in 1552. He was temporality buried on an island and when his body was dug up 3 months later there was no sign of decay. He was enshrined in the Basilica 1 year later and his body was still in pristine condition. This was declared a miracle and he was canonized in 1622.

He now looks rather desiccated.

Se Cathedral

Close by the Basilica is Se Cathedral, build by the Dominicans from 1562 to 1652. This is one of the minor altars.

These two weren't paying too much attention to the service in the cathedral.

St Augustine

Built by Augustinian Order in 1512. Abandoned in 1835 and collapsed 7 years later. Taken during a monsoon downpour, hence the water running down the steps.

More of the ruins.

The 46m tower church tower which is been re-plastered, mainly to protect the lateritic block from slow decay.

One of the many tombs in the now open to the air floor of the church - rain drops falling.

A remaining nearby church building .

Archbishop Residence

This is the Archbishops residence on the highest point of Althino. It is just up the hill from the Chief Ministers official residence and is twice as large. For much of the Portuguese rule, the Church had more power than the Governor. (The CM only works in the official residence and lives in a very modest house in Mapsa, north of Panaji).

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

Overlooking Panaji's main square, the original chapel was consecrated in 1541. The present church was built in 1619. The church has been freshly painted after the monsoon.

Same church after the monsoon.

Church from Mandovi River