It may be in ruins now, but it does make for a very splendid ruins. Located in the vicinity of the other world heritage sites in Old Goa, the forty six meter high colossal four storied arched belfry tower, built of laterite, once formed part of the facade of the church of St Augustine which was built in 1602 by the Augustinian Friars. It is said that when the friars first arrived in Goa, they first built a small monastery on top of the hill. This was later enlarged. However in 1835, the complex was abandoned following orders from the government and subsequently fell into ruins. The remains of eight chapels, four altars and extensive convent with numerous cells can still be viewed as one walks among the ruins. The valuable objects from the church were either sold off or lost during this time. However some objects have found their way into other religious places.l For instance the bell from the tower was initially taken to Fort Aguada and later in 1871 and now can be found at the Our lady of Immaculate Conception church in Panaji.
Interestingly, the church is also associated with the story of the relics of Ketevan, the queen of Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia who was killed due to her refusal to give up the Christian faith. It is said that some of her relics were brought down to Goa and interred in the old church.
Museum of Christian Art
The Museum of Christian Art was founded in 1994 and was the first of it's kind in Asia. It was earlier located in Rachol, Salcette before being relocated to its present site in the Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa, close to a few other world heritage monuments.
A project of the Archdiocese of Goa, the museum houses a unique collection of Christian art dating as far back at the 16th century. Most of these pieces were introduced to Goa after the Portuguese invasion whereupon the missionaries set about spreading evangelisation.The objects include sculptures in in ivory, wood, clay depicting images of Christ on the cross, of Virgin Mary under different invocations, of saints and angels.
Apart from the Indo- Portuguese connect, what is also interesting about these objects is the Indian touch to it as plenty of local artists who copied these objects added their own style to these European objects of art. Some of the interesting pieces among the collection include a painting of St. Ursula which once adorned the walls of the Se Cathedral of Old Goa, an image of Jesus the Good Shepherd carved out of ivory and a bust of St. Margaret.
Timings: 9.30am to 5 pm
Entrance fees :Rs. 30/- per Adult, Rs. 10/- per student, children below12 years “ free.
