7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa

Goa is more than just a place to visit; it is an experience that develops differently for each traveller. However, Goa's great history is evident in its heritage sites and hides beneath this fun-loving and flippant exterior. There are also multiple UNESCO world heritage sites in Goa, which rank Goa as one of India's top locations for understanding its colonial past.

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus (1986)

In Goa, one of the most popular World Heritage Sites is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This church, which is well-known for housing St. Francis Xavier's body, is a striking example of Portuguese style. The history of this church goes back at least 400 years; it is regarded as Goa's oldest church.

• Location: Old Goa Road, Bainguinim
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to March
• Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Sunday)
• Entry Fee: Free

2. Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina (1986)

The Se Catedral de Santa Catarina is located only half a kilometre from the Basilica of Bom Jesus and is one of the most popular Goa UNESCO sites. The main altar in this church is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria and was constructed in the Portuguese-Manueline architecture style. In addition to its stunning architecture, this 250-foot-tall church is notable for its enormous bell in the tower.

• Location: Velha Goa
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to March
• Hours of Operation: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

3. Saint Catherine’s Chapel (1986)

Saint Catherine's Chapel is somewhat diminutive compared to the other major churches in Goa. This cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint Catherine, was constructed in the Renaissance architectural style many centuries ago. The shrine's beauty is enhanced by old Portuguese-style windows embellished with mica shells and represents the elegant beauty of Goa heritage sites.

• Location: Taleigao
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to March
• Hours of Operation: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

4. Church of St. Francis of Assisi (1986)

The real structure of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi was reconstructed in 1665. This church has two octagonal towers, each standing on each side. There is also a statue of St. Michael, which is placed in the middle niche of its façade. The outdoors of this church is made up of Tuscan style, and its interior is adorned with Corinthian and Baroque features.

• Location: Off National Highway 4, Velha Goa
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to March
• Hours of Operation:  7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM (Museum Timing)
• Entry Fee: Free

5. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (1986)

This is one of the oldest churches of Goa and is famous for its two-story entryway. You can enter here to witness two chapels and three highly adorned altars. The primary altar is devoted to Our Lady of the Rosary. It is also the sole structure of Goa that displays a medieval construction approach and architectural attributes.

• Location: Monte Santo, Old Goa
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to March
• Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

6. Church of Saint Augustine (1986)

The Church of Saint Augustine is a ruined church that offers a limited glimpse of its glorious history. However, according to legends, it is one of three impressive Augustinian churches, an Iberian world's part. This church has eight chapels, one convent, and four altars. The only remains of this church today is a 46-meter tower worth visiting.

• Location: Velha Goa
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to March
• Hours of Operation: 6:30 AM to 12:45 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM (Monday to Friday)
• Entry Fee: Free

7. Church of Saint Cajetan (1986)

This church is renowned as the Church of Divine Providence and proudly displays its ostentatious architecture. This church is similar to Rome's Basilica of St. Peter, which has a Corinthian style of architecture. You can witness pilasters and huge columns enhancing its seven altars' aura.

• Location:  Velha, Bastora
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to March
• Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

UNESCO considers the following criteria before listing places as world heritage sites:

• Must represent an example of a creative genius
• Should represent some relationship with a culture or civilization that exists or has disappeared
• Representing transition in architecture or technology over a span of time
• Must be a remarkable instance showcasing evolution of different communities of plants and animals and its ecological process
• Housing endangered species of universal value and biological diversity in its natural habitat
• Being an example recording life through crucial stages of earth’s history in terms of development in landforms and other features
• Including natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and aesthetic
• Should associate with universally important traditions, ideas, beliefs or any literary/artistic work