UNESCO World Heritage churches and grand cathedrals. A short, easy ride from Panjim.
Before the beaches, there was Old Goa, once one of the richest cities in Asia and the capital of Portuguese India. What remains is an extraordinary cluster of UNESCO World Heritage churches and cathedrals, all within an easy stroll of one another.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus
The star of Old Goa, this 16th-century basilica holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, one of Catholicism's most revered saints. Its weathered laterite facade and gilded baroque interior draw pilgrims from around the world; the relics are displayed publicly only once a decade.
What else to see
- Se Cathedral — one of the largest churches in Asia, home to the famous Golden Bell.
- Church of St Francis of Assisi — beautiful frescoes and an attached archaeology museum.
- Chapel of St Catherine — quiet, atmospheric and often empty.
- Viceroy's Arch — the old riverside gateway to the city.
Getting there on two wheels
Old Goa is just 10 km east of Panjim, about 15 minutes, and roughly 30 to 40 minutes from the North Goa beaches along the riverside road. Parking is plentiful and the sites are walkable once you arrive, making it one of the most relaxed half-day rides in Goa.
Local tips
- Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered, these are active places of worship.
- Go early to avoid both the heat and the tour buses.
- Pair it with Fontainhas and Panjim for a full heritage day.