the goan I network
OLD GOA
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) “ Goa Circle has closed down all its monuments in the State, including the world famous Old Goa churches, from Wednesday and the same will continue till March 31, in view of the coronavirus threat in the country.
However, churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral will be allowed to be used for religious services.
The decision comes after directives from the Ministry of Culture to shut all ASI monuments/sites and site museums till March 31 with immediate effect.
The directive has also cancelled all online permissions like filming, free entry, photography, cultural events issued during the said period.
When ‘The Goan’ visited Old Goa, notices were posted outside the world heritage monuments notifying that all ASI monuments will remain closed till March 31 in view of coronavirus threat.
Monuments in Old Goa like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, St Francis of Assisi Church, St Cajetan’s Church, St Catherine’s Chapel, Ruins of St Augustine’s, Our Lady of Rosary Church and others will now remain out of bounds for tourists during the said period.
The ASI museum housed adjacent to the St Francis of Assisi church has also been closed.
However, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral will be allowed to be used for religious services.
When contacted, Parish Priest of Se Cathedral Fr Alfred Vaz said the ASI informed them about the decision before closing down the world heritage churches for tourists.
“However, these churches will be allowed to be used for religious services,” Fr Vaz added.
Meanwhile, many tourists were caught unawares and were not able to visit the world famous churches as they had to return back disappointed on account of closure of the ASI monuments.
Many tourists, both Indians and foreign, were seen wearing a dejected look as they could not visit the monuments on account of the closure.
People selling flowers, candles, wax figurines, etc also had to return home early on account of the closure of the churches.
Though some shops, establishments, stalls and others remained open, they did not have buyers as the tourists had to head back no sooner they came to know about the decision to close down the monuments.
