5 Best Churches In Goa That Are Older Than The Taj Mahal

When we think of Goa, beaches and nightlife often come to mind. But beyond the sun and sand lies a rich heritage, steeped in centuries-old history and stunning architecture. In fact, some of Goa’s most iconic churches are even older than the Taj Mahal. Scroll down to know which churches they are.
Churches In Goa Older Than the Taj Mahal

Best Churches In Goa: Goa isn’t just about beaches, it’s home to some of India’s oldest and most beautiful churches, many built before the Taj Mahal (Built before or around 1653). Dating back to the 1500s and early 1600s, these historic churches reflect Portuguese influence, rich architecture, and centuries of cultural heritage. They’re timeless landmarks that still stand tall, telling stories of Goa’s colonial past and spiritual roots.

If you're someone who loves history or architecture, take a look at the best churches in Goa that stood tall even before the Taj Mahal existed:

Top 5 Churches In Goa Older Than the Taj Mahal

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

One of Goa’s most sacred monuments, this UNESCO World Heritage basilica was completed in 1605 and houses the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. The Government of Goa's official portal states, “This magnificent edifice stands as a superb example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is called “Bom Jesus,” meaning ‘good Jesus’ or ‘infant Jesus’ to whom it is dedicated. The façade has on it, at the top, the letters, “HIS” which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek.” It remains a centre for pilgrims, with the saint’s body publicly displayed every ten years.

2. Se Cathedral, Goa

Dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, this is one of Asia’s largest churches and is the cathedral of the Latin Church Archdiocese of Goa. According to the Goan Church official portal, “The first parent of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Church, Old Goa, was a little chapel dedicated to St. Catherine. It was built in 1510 and enlarged in 1511. The St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Church, Old Goa, is said to be the largest Christian house of worship in the East.”

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Its Portuguese-Gothic architecture, St. Catherine's main altar, and the famous Golden Bell are highlights. The cathedral also holds the Golden Rose gift from Pope Pius XII.

3. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Goa

Built between 1544 and 1547, this fortress‑style Manueline church marked the beginnings of Portuguese-Christian architecture in Goa. As per the Goa Tourism portal, “Standing atop the Monte Santo (Holy Hill) and keeping a benevolent watch over Old Goa, is the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Beautiful in its austereness and simplicity, this church is one of the only buildings in Goa that attests to the introduction of Renaissance architecture, brought to Goa by the Portuguese.”

It features early Renaissance and Gothic elements, a cruciform layout, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Goa. The church contains three beautiful altars and is a must-visit church to offer your prayers.

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4. Chapel of St Catherine, Goa

Constructed in 1510 to commemorate the Portuguese conquest of Goa on St Catherine’s feast day, this chapel was elevated to cathedral status. “The Chapel of St Catherine is a little structure that is closed most times, but it was commissioned by the Portuguese conqueror Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510. This was to commemorate his triumphant entry into Old Goa on St Catherine’s Day”, states the Goa Tourism portal. Though no longer functional, it endures as a testament to Goa’s early colonial history.

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5. Church of St Francis of Assisi, Goa

Originally a small chapel built in 1517 and rebuilt in Baroque style in 1661, this church includes a convent and a museum displaying Goan religious art. Incredible India Ministry of Tourism, (Government of India) portal highlights, “Out of the many churches that the Portuguese built during their time in Goa, this invites the interest of travellers because of its eye-striking architecture and history. Legend says that the church went through testing times and trials before it could stand as an imposing architectural brilliance in the modern day.”

Its Tuscan, Manueline, and Baroque fusion interior is rich in frescoes and carved wood details. It offers a glimpse into Goa’s Portuguese colonial past and how Christianity shaped its culture, art, and identity.

Goa’s old churches offer more than spiritual solace, they’re living museums of architecture, colonial history, and cultural fusion. So next time when you visit Goa, make sure to visit these as well.


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Image credit: Goa Tourism/ Twitter and Instagram

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