Old Goa
Goa Β· Old Goa & Panaji Β· 15m
UNESCO Portuguese churches β Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and the Rome of the East
Why Special
Old Goa was once the capital of Portuguese India β bigger than Lisbon in the 16th century. Plague and shifting trade reduced it to a village, but the churches survived. The Basilica of Bom Jesus (1605) holds the remains of St Francis Xavier β one of Christianity's most important relics. Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia. The Archaeological Museum covers 500 years of Portuguese Goa.
Festivals & Events
Feast of St Francis Xavier
DecDecember 3
Annual feast at Basilica of Bom Jesus honoring St Francis Xavier. Once every 10 years, the saint's body is displayed (last 2014). The December 3 feast draws hundreds of thousands.
One of Christianity's most important feast days in Asia.
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
Full 4G coverage.
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: Goa Medical College (2km) (2 km)
Ambulance: 108
Police: Old Goa Police Station
Getting There
Panaji 10km (20min). Airport 25km (40min).
Roads: Excellent NH road.
Public transport: Frequent buses from Panaji. Auto-rickshaws.
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Old Goa junction, 1km
Stay: βΉ0/night
Helpline: 100
The stay decisions worth flagging in Old Goa.
Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral complex β Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus (St. Francis Xavier's relics), Church of St. Cajetan β but no stay infrastructure. Day-trip from Panaji (10 km, 20 min taxi). Visit morning for the cathedral services; lunch at Divar Island (15-min ferry from Old Goa) before returning to Panaji.
Old Goa has no stays β it's a UNESCO cathedral complex, not a town. Nearest quality stay is Panaji (10 km, 20 min) at WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn or Crown Goa. Don't overnight at Old Goa; day-trip and return to the Fontainhas heritage stays for the evening.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
We recommend this for its architectural grandeur, ayurvedic spa, and riverside location that anchors Old Goa's colonial atmosphere with modern comfort.
Pousada Tauma
We recommend this converted Portuguese colonial house for its authentic period rooms, courtyard seating, and position within walking distance of Old Goa's churches at a fraction of resort rates.
Vivanta by Taj β Panaji
We recommend this for its central Panaji location on the Mandovi Riverβa 15-minute drive to Old Goa's Basilica of Bom Jesus and just steps from local cafΓ©s and galleries.
Ahilya by the Sea
We recommend this restored 18th-century Portuguese villa in Chandor for its period furnishings, private backwater access, and deep connection to Goa's trading historyβfar quieter than Old Goa town.
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Daily Budget Reality
Budget
βΉ400Mid-range
βΉ900Luxury
βΉ1,400π‘ Day trip from Panaji or any beach. Free entry to all churches. Guide βΉ500-1000 recommended.
Crowd Intelligence
β Avoid weekends β crowded with day-trippers
Best days: Weekday
Feast of St Francis Xavier (Dec 3) draws massive crowds. Sundays busy with local church-goers.
Food & Dining
Cuisine: Very limited at the site. Basic canteen food.
Eat in Panaji before or after. Nothing substantial at Old Goa itself.
How to Reach
Meet the Locals
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