One of the most visited places in Goa is Old Goa, a place which bursts into life in November and December each year during the novenas and feast of St Francis Xavier.
Old Goa | St Francis Xavier feast
SPEAKING OF DISTANCE
Old Goa, which is the venue of the 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, is located approx 10 km east of Goa’s capital city of Panjim.
The Atal Setu | Panjim | bridge | Goa | Photo: Rohan Fernandes
BY THE RIVER
Sometimes called Adlem Gõy or Velha Goa, Old Goa is situated on the banks of the River Mandovi, in the Tiswadi taluka of North Goa.
Church | Old Goa | River Mandovi | Photo: Rohan Fernandes
TRADE ROUTES
Along with Chandor and Gopakapatana, Old Goa was an important port that traded not only with Indian ports, but also with other parts of the world back in the day.
Old Goa | ancient trade | Indian Ocean | map
FORMER CAPITAL
Once the seat of administration of Portuguese India, its capital city was later shifted to Panjim.
Goa| Panjim| Adil Shah Palace | Old Secretariat | Photo: Katia Goes
WORLD HERITAGE
Today, Old Goa is famed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to several centuries-old churches and convents.
Old Goa | Old Goa church | Photo: Vrutha Karmali
BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
The most famous of these churches is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which has housed the relics of St Francis Xavier since 1624.
Old Goa | St Francis Xavier | Basilica of Bom Jesus | Photo: Rohan Fernandes
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