6 Sights to See in Old Goa: Ancient Crumbling Ruins

You’ve heard of all the beautiful beaches in Goa, but what about the UNESCO ruins of an abandoned Portuguese city?

Well, that’s exactly what Old Goa (known as Adlem Goy in local Konkani and Velha Goa in Portuguese) is.

There are crumbling ruins of churches in amongst some churches where you can still see the Portuguese baroque style architecture, intricately carved altar decoration, and original paintings from the 1600s. And everything is surrounded by a sea of tropical palm trees!

Being only a short journey from Panaji, this is a perfect half-day trip that you can do independently.

We spent an afternoon exploring the churches and ruins here, and thoroughly recommend heading out this way as there are lots of interesting and historical sights to see in Old Goa. It makes a nice cultural, historcial contrast to your beachy, foodie Goan adventure!

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1. Basilica do Bom Jesus and the Cross

The main event in Old Goa is Basilica do Bom Jesus. It is huge and imposing and largely intact. The building has been around since the early 1600s making it one of the oldest churches in the whole of India. Its baroque style is impressive inside and out, with some particularly intricate and theatrical elements inside.

And even though the basilica does not have the same white aesthetic as the other churches in Old Goa, it is always the busiest as it is a pilgrimage site due to it housing the remains of the patron saint of Goa: St. Francis Xavier.

Just outside is a cross with a particularly short top. I don’t know the significance of this. (I did ask Google but it told me it wasn’t actually short. It definitely is). If you know, please let us know!

a large brown brick cathedral in Baroque style built by the Portuguese after colonising Goa. Basilica do Bom Jesus, Old Goa, India

a religious cross with a short top on a brick pedestal surrounded by palm trees outside of Basilica do Bom Jesus in Old Goa, India

2. St Augustine Tower

A church was built here in the early 1600s and it originally had four towers, however after years of abandonment and neglect, all but half of one of the towers has collapsed.

You can wander around the ruins of the where the main section of the church used to be, and keep and eye out for some of the original decorative tiling and plaques.

This feels like more of an archaeological site than the others it is by far the most ‘ruined’. I think it’s fascinating that only half of one the towers remains out of the whole church!

the ruins of a cathedral tower show red and black bricks. Only half of the tower remains - St Augustine, Old Goa, India

an old plaque and crest on the wall of the ruins of St Augustine Cathedral in Old Goa, India

3. St John of God Church

From St Augustine Tower, you can get a good view of St John of God church. We were unable to get inside when we visited as it all appeared very overgrown, but it is very pretty from the outside all surrounded by palm trees.

white and orange bricks of the facade of St John of God Church surrounded by palm trees and overgrown plants Old Goa, India

4. Se Cathedral

This is a huge white cathedral that was also built in the 1600s. Inside is beautifully decorated with original paintings on the walls and a domed ceiling. The façade on the altar is gilded and has carvings of religious scenes.

the walls of the inside of Se Cathedral show original paintings of people and decorative patterns - sights to see in Old Goa

a gilded altar depicting Christian scenes and people in Se Cathedral, Old Goa

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5. Church of St Francis of Assisi

Another building from the 1600s, the church of St Francis of Assisi has some really intricate hand-painted frescoes inside, a huge wooden altar façade carved with religious figures, and pink and white tiled ceiling.

carved altar with pillars. flowers, and people in the church of St Francis of Assisi in Old Goa

6. Chapel of Saint Catherine

Probably my favourite chapel to explore in Old Goa, this one is small and tucked away from the others. It’s red brick and white paint baroque style contrasts against the surrounding palm trees. You can get some lovely pictures from the outside!

a white and red brick facade of the chapel of St Catherine is surrounded by palm trees in Old Goa

How to Dress in Old Goa

The religious buildings in Old Goa have religious importance and some are pilgrimage sites. This means that you won’t be allowed to enter wearing your short shorts or strappy vest tops. For men and women, make sure that you have at least your knees and shoulders covered to remain respectful of the local culture.

Is Old Goa worth visiting?

If you’re heading to Goa, a half-day trip out to Old Goa is a must. It’s a great contrast to the beach, vindaloo, and feni-filled days of a regular Goa itinerary. Mix things up and head to a UNESCO historical site to see some colonial baroque architecture.

If however, historical, religious, cultural activities are not your thing, then there’s not really much else to do here. But if you’re searching for things to do in Old Goa, you’re already on board for some ancient church hopping!

How to Get to Old Goa

Old Goa is dead close to Panaji (the Goan capital and absolutely somewhere you should visit for great food and its colourful streets). You can easily jump in a tuktuk to get you there within about 20 minutes. Otherwise, head down to Panaji KTC Bus Station and jump on the next bus to Old Goa. Buy your ticket on the bus in cash, and you’ll be there in half an hour maybe.

To get back into Panaji, pick the bus up from here.

Where to Stay

I would not recommend staying in Old Goa unless you really want to be away from everything. Yes, Old Goa is close to the main train station and obviously the ruins, but not much else. If you’re looking for more things to do and places to eat, I’d stay in Panaji itself and just get the bus out to Old Goa.

Hotel Casa Dos Rebelos (£)

📍 1st Floor, Rebelo Building, Rua De Ormuz

Casa Dos Rebelos is the perfect place to stay! It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside the rooms are beautiful and spacious with lovely décor, private bathroom and aircon. It’s very centrally located and walking distance to restaurants, Fontainhas, etc.

5-minute walk to our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

🛏️ Plan your Stay 🛏️

So where are you heading next?

Ready to explore more of Goa? Panaji is the perfect base to see the colourful colonial streets of Fontainhas, dive deep into the delicious Goan foodie scene and explore Old Goa. Make sure you try a paneer cafreal and have a pastel de nata with a masala chai!

And then you’ll want to relax after sightseeing and eating everything. So check out our post on where to base yourself for the best beaches in Goa – north or south? Trust me, north and south are hugely different, so make sure you get the right spot for you.

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