2 Churches to Explore in North Goa

The Basilica is partially in ruins but still a model of elegance, and a fine example of Jesuit architecture. This is the only church in Old Goa, which is unplastered on the outside. The lime plaster which existed earlier was stripped off by a zealous Portuguese conservationist in 1950. The church contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510. Since the day of the victory happened to be on the feast of Saint Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her.