Old Goa Heritage Walk

Description

A walk through the remains of Goa’s former capital city providing the historical link from pre-Portuguese times to the present day where Old Goa is a World Heritage site, housing the best churches in all Asia.

A heritage Walk through the remains of Goa’s former Capital city providing the historical link from pre – Portuguese times to the present day where Old Goa is a World Heritage Site, housing some of the best churches.

About this trip:

Old Goa was Goa’s former capital city. It was a thriving city even in prior to Portuguese times. It was the capital of the Bahmani Sultan Adil Shah empire. The large palace of Adil Shah, surrounded by fort walls, towers and a moat was located here as well as many temples and mosques. Unfortunately none of these structures remain in existence today except for the ruins of the gateway to the palace.

The Portuguese arrived here in 1510 under their commander Afonso de Albuquerque, and captured the city from Adil Shah, the ruler of the Bijapur Kingdom. They came to the East in search of trade and to spread Christianity. Under Portuguese rule Goa rapidly became a major metropolis of the 16th and 17th century rivaling London and Paris, and at its peak had a population of over 150,000 people.

However, disease and decline in trade took its toll and the city rapidly deteriorated in the latter part of the 17th century. The capital was officially moved to Panjim in 1843. Eventually, the site of Old Goa was used as a quarry to build Panjim, and buildings were left to naturally decay and were eventually demolished.

Old Goa is a World Heritage site housing some of the most historically significant buildings and churches in the region. Among these are the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the remains of St. Francis Xavier are to be found, the imposing Sé Cathedral, the Church of St Francis of Assisi, the Chapel of St Catherine, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the Church of St Cajetan, the Chapel of St Anthony and the ruins of the Tower of St Augustine’s Church.

Itinerary:

What to expect :

The walk starts outside the Archeological Museum which can be found on the left hand side as you enter the main precinct of Old Goa. After surveying the pieces of ruined buildings displayed outside the Museum, we proceed to Old Goa’s first church, the Church of St Catherine. We then pass some remains of the Old Wall of Goa and the rear of the Archbishops Palace, before we arrive at the Viceroy’s Arch and the Church of St Cajetan.

We then trace the old main street of Old Goa, the Rua Direita to pass by the Se Cathedral and the Church of St Francis, before reaching the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the remains of St Francis Xavier are to be found.

Timing : Daily 9 am and 4pm.

Duration : 2.5 hours.

Meeting point : Gandhi Circle

Facts:

Closest Airport Dabolim Airport.

Closest Railway Station Karmali Railway sation

Great site for beginners as well as trainee divers. Several species of small fish as well as hard coral found here. Cuttlefish and nurse shark have also been seen here. Maximum depth of only 6 meters.

Bus :

In Panjim. The major state transport corporation buses operating in Goa are the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) from Goa, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) from Maharashtra, and the Karnataka State Road Transport from Karnataka. All the state transport buses, usually begin and terminate at the Kadamba bus stand in Panjim.

Inclusions :

Local English-speaking guide

Entry to Heritage homes

Meeting with well renowned Goan artists

Exclusions

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional food and drinks

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Traveler Tips

Please do not tip our guides (in case you wish to make an additional donation to Goa Heritage Action Group, you can speak to the guide)

Please follow instruction and safety guideline of our guides during the tour.

Be aware of people’s sensitivity to being photographed. Please ask first. Please take permission of the host before photographing inside the houses we visit.

We are committed to a healthier planet. We recommend to carry reusable water bottles and avoid the use of disposable plastic bottles.

Terms and Conditions

Prior Booking is required for all tours.

The voucher is valid for one month from the date of travel

Vouchers are non-refundable and non-exchangable.

Please present your boarding pass and voucher at the time of tour.

The right is reserved to decline, accept or retain any person as a member of the tour. Guest are subject to professional commitments.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Prior Booking is required for all tours.

8 day before the trip: 25% of the total amount

4 days - 7 days: 50 % refund

0 to 3 days: No refund