Portugal wanted to conquer the lucrative maritime trade routes between Europe and the East when Portuguese nobleman Vasco da Gama arrived south of Goa to the Malabar Coast in 1498. It was his successor Afonsa de Albuquerque who succeeded in conquering Goa in 1510 and transformed it into the captial of the Portuguese trading empire. By the end of the 16th century the city, then known as Goa Dourada or 'Golden Goa', was the capital of the world's spice trade and one of the richest places on earth, with a population larger than London or Paris.
Albuquerque built Goa's first chapel, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The Franciscan monks then arrived in 1517, soon to be followed by the Jesuits, Dominicans and Augustinians who all created their own places of worship. Monumental churches were constructed so Goa soon became known as the 'Rome of the East'. The churches and convents of Velha Goa (Old Goa) are now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. The best guide for Old Goa is the excellent book 'In and around Old Goa' by Heta Pandit. Of particular importance is the baroque (built 1594-1605) that contains the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. He died at sea in 1552 and his remains were transferred to Goa where it was discovered that the saint's body was intact. This miracle continues to attract the devout, believing the saint has miraculous powers of healing. Once every decade there is an Exposition or public viewing of his body. The next is in 2014. However, annually, on his feast day December 3rd, his toe (which was bitten off at the first exposition) is brought out to be viewed.
A few mins away is the imposing , which to this day is bigger than any church built in Portugal. Construction began in 1562 and took 80 years. The Golden Bell in the tower is regarded as one of the sweetest sounding in the world.
Another people's favourite is close to the Mandovi River. It is a copy of the Basilica of St Peters in Rome, with a particularly beautiful baroque interior.
