OLD GOA
The Basilica of Bom Jesus and the St Cajetan church continue to be out of bounds for tourists even as other ASI monuments in Old Goa have been thrown open.
When The Goan visited Old Goa, it was witnessed that world heritage monuments like Se Cathedral, St Augustine Tower, Our Lady of Rosary Church and others were thrown open for tourists.
However, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the St Cajetan churches continued to be closed.
The ASI had closed down the monuments in March this year due to the Coronavirus threat.
When inquired with an ASI security guard, he informed that the all the ASI monuments have been thrown open to tourists over a fortnight ago.
“However only the Basilica and St Cajetan churches remain closed,” the guard informed, while adding that the Basilica is open only for the devotees.
The Goan was also informed that the ASI museum housed next to the St Francis of Assisi church is also open for tourists.
At the Se Cathedral, the guard informed that the tourists are allowed entry only if they wear mask and maintain social distance. It was also observed that the tourists were sprayed sanitizers on their hands before allowing entry inside the monuments.
But, it was seen that many tourists visiting Old Goa were not wearing masks in the absence of monitoring agencies.
