As the morning sun rises over the silver-bellied storm clouds, a treasured trove of coastal landscapes and architectural marvels bears silent witness to centuries of history. With the Goan waters having seen centuries of transformation, its identity shaped itself over its natural environment housing structures developed in Indo-Portuguese and Vernacular styles. The Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century bringing with them Baroque and Manueline architectural styles ranging from churches, forts, and convents adorned with intricate facades and carvings to residences with open-air courtyards and arched openings.

As waves of sea whisper against the Konkan shores, let us dive into the world of religious heritage architecture, the Churches of Goa, which significantly influenced present-day Old Goa, previously known as Ella, which was the Portuguese capital post-occupation in 1730. The colonial era left an indelible impact on socio-cultural dynamics, urban landscapes, and building techniques within Goan society.

Amongst the many architectural marvels that dot these sceneries, we will focus on three churches that played a significant role in modeling the urban landscapes of Goa which are Basilica de Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Church of Our Lady of the Mount. Each of these structures stands as a testament to unique architectural fusions, conceptualized through ambitious goals of the designers and skilled craftsmen who brought them to life. The weathered stones of each of these cathedrals’ walls have witnessed countless moments of prayers, celebrations, and solemnity.

The Basilica de Bom Jesus

Built between 1594 to 1605, the Basilica de Bom Jesus is the epitome of Renaissance Baroque and Portuguese Colonial architecture. One of the oldest churches in India, its weathered walls house the final resting place of St. Francis Xavier, founder of the Jesuits Missionary.

Representing resilience, grandeur and devotion, the ornate tomb was gifted by Grand Duke Cosimo III of Tuscany, consisting of a silver sarcophagus with inlaid marble of pietre dure style resonant of India’s Taj Mahal and Florence’s Cappella dei Principi, a masterpiece of Indo-Italian art. The façade features three sections divided by vertical pilasters with classical elements like floral motifs and Corinthian columns. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this basilica embodies its iconic legacy, continuing to be a source of pride for Goans while its preservation and restoration efforts highlight the importance of maintaining the essence of its cultural heritage.

The Se Cathedral

With its bells marking time for generations of the Goan populace, the Se Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Asia with an imposing Portuguese-Gothic structure. It was conceptualized to commemorate victory on St. Catherine’s feast day in 1510 marking the commencement of Portuguese rule in Goa. Featuring a Tuscan facade with Corinthian elements, the grand entrance and intricate carvings speak of a desire to create something everlasting and indelible.

The cathedral houses the Golden Bell, one of the largest bells in Goa. The design aimed to reflect the grandeur of the Portuguese Empire showing architectural and engineering prowess at the time.  The cathedral’s design showcases cultural exchange by integrating European and Indian artistic traditions. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the church remains an active place of worship, a pilgrimage site, and an educational resource to this day, where visitors can go back in the timeline to witness the evolution of Goan architectural styles.

Church of our Lady of the Mount

Built of Laterite Stone, the Church of Our Lady of the Mount was built between 1510 to 1519 by Afonso de Albuquerque, the governor of Goa. Perched on a hill with beautiful views of the Mandovi River and the surrounding area, the church blends Baroque and Mannerist styles.  Known for hosting the Monte Festival every year, the chapel has thick walls measuring 2.7 meters and has a façade inspired by Se Cathedral. It has undergone several restorations, the major one being in 2001. While being a spiritual solace, this chapel addresses the stories behind the intertwining of Goa’s sacred and secular landscapes.

Church of our Lady of the Mount

As the sun sets over the Goan Waters, casting shadows over the ancient stones of these architectural marvels, these structures continue to serve as bridges between past and present – where the East fused with the West with their everlasting stories continuing to shape the very urban and socio-cultural fabric of Goan identity.

Beyond being just UNESCO World Heritage sites, these churches keep stories of cultural exchanges, artistic ideas, and dreams alive. Every heritage structure in whichever shape they exist today, inspires us to create our unique legacy wherein future generations can learn further along the line. Heritage is not always about preservation; it’s about understanding ourselves and our capabilities to impart knowledge as mere mortals. Every restored wall, carving, and structure hosting annual festivals keeps cultural traditions alive in this fast-paced world.

References

Wikipedia. (2022). Basilica of Bom Jesus. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus.

Wikipedia Contributors (2023). Se Cathedral. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Se_Cathedral.

Wikipedia Contributors (2024). Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapel_of_Our_Lady_of_the_Mount.

Author’s note

Suchita Deva Stuthi

Suchita is an architect pursuing urban planning in Sydney with a wanderlust spirit. When not diving into city spaces, you’ll find me befriending local dogs or learning about design-related tech. Believing that great cities should work for every creature on this planet, I aim to create sustainable stories, one urban space at a time.