It was built by the Portuguese in
1609 - 1612, to guard the entry into river Mandovi. Today, it houses the
central Jail. A lighthouse is located nearby.
Dona Paula (9 kms.)
It is set on the scenic headland
between the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries and is named after Dona Paula de
Menezes, whose tombstone can be seen at the chapel in Cabo. The site is
associated with various myths of Dona Paula and has earned the epitaph of
Lover's Paradise'. The delightful Dauna Paula Bay, where Goa's two most famous
rivers Zuari and Mandovi meet the Arabian Sea, is an important tourist
attraction. One can enjoy picturesque view of the Zuari estuary and Mormugao
harbour. Ferry service is available between Dona Paula Jetty and Mormugao,
except during the nionsoons. Water-scooter and boat rides here are very popular
among the tourists. Near the ferry jetty on a small outcrop of arock is the
beautiful sculpture of a couple (man and *ornan) named 'Image of India', made
by Baroness Yrsa von Leistner. On the Westernmost tip of the peninsula is Cabo
Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the ^overnor of Goa. The famous Institute
of Oceanography is located nearby.
Miramar Beach (Caspar Dias) (3 kms.)
'he lovely golden beach beyond a
small forest attracts a large number of locals and °urists.
It is not ranked among the safe beaches for swimmers.
Mapusa (13 kms.)
It is one of the most important
towns of northern Goa, especially for the tourist lolidaying on the beaches of
northern Goa. Mapusa is 45 kms. from Dabolim airport, on the Mumbai-Goa
National Highway 17 and is an important road junction. Mapusa Rd. railhead lies
on the Konkan Railway.
Old Goa (9 kms.)
The
former capital and
the principal city of
Portuguese eastern empire was known as the Rome of the East' and the
'Pearl of the Orient'. It is set on the southern bank of Mandovi river and is
an splendid showcase of themassive
and overpowering Portuguese
presence in India. Old Goa is studded with majestic cathedrals and monuments,
reflecting the rich history and glory of the bygone era. The
impressive monuments of Old Goa are considered to be the finest examples of
Renaissance architecture in the world. A visit to Goa is rendered incomplete
without visiting this religious historic town.
Main Square & Se Cathedral : It is set in the heart of Old Goa and flanked by the
Basilica of Bom Jesus to the south and the Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis
Assisi and an archeological museum to the north. The imposing Se Cathedral
dominates the main square and is the largest church in entire Asia, measuring
35.56 m high on the facade, 76.2 m in length and 55.16 m in width. It is
dedicated to St. Catherine and is built in Portuguese-Gothic style, with
Tuscan-Doric exteriors and Corinthian interiors.
Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery : It is housed in the convent
behind the Church of St Francis of Assisi. The building has two floors, the
lower one has an Archaeological Museum, exhibiting sculptures and bronzes. The
Portrait Gallery on the upper floor has several paintings and portraits of the
Portuguese viceroy's to India. Chapel of St. Catherine : The chapel located
just west of the Archaeological museum was originally built in 1510, by
Albuquerque to commemorate his victory of Goa on the St. Catherine's Day.
Basilica of Bom Jesus : This most popular church of Goa is dedicated to 'Bom Jesus'—
meaning 'good or infant Jesus'. It is located to the south of the main square
and houses the uncorrupted remains of the holy apostle St. Francis' Xavier. The
historical church was declared as a 'World Heritage Monument' by the UNF.SCO.
The construction of the basilica started
in 1594 and was completed in 1605. Built in cruciform plan, it is an excellent
example of Jesuit architecture and is an amazing blend of Neoclassical
restraint and Baroque extravagance. The magnificent three-tiered facade adorned
with intricate carvings, has elements of Ionic design at the lowest level,
Doric in the middle and Corinthian design at the top. It has a
disproportionately large central pediment at top and is crowned by a large
Jesuit emblem which depicts three letters 'IHS', meaning 'Jesus Saviour of
men'.
Viceroy's Arch : This ceremonial
gateway was built by Governor Francisco da Gama (1597 - 1600), in honour of his
greatgrandfather Vasco da Gama. It marks the traditional entrance to Old Goa
from the Mandovi river front and was used as the main entry point for the
Portuguese viceroys. The arch was rebuilt in 1954 and stands in regal majesty,
although few traces of the original arch are present.
Gateway of Adil Shah's Palace : It lies to left of Viceroy's Arch and is the only
surviving part of the magnificent palace of Adil Shah. After the independence
of Goa, the Archaeological Survey of India erected this gateway by piecing
together the ruins.
Church of St. Cajetan : It was built in 1655, by the Italian friars of the Order of Theatines,
on the lines of St Peter's Church in Rome. Other important churches at Old Goa
are - Church of Our Lady of the Mount, Church of Carmelites, Convent &
Church of St. John of God, Church & Convent of St. Monica, Chapel of St.
Anthony, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary etc.
Pilar (11 kms.)
It was an important religious and
educational centre of Christian Missionaries. The Church, Seminary and School
perched atop a hillock affords a panoramic view of the Mormugao Harbour, Zuari
river and the scenic countryside.
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (3 kms.): The beautiful
sanctuary sprawls over an area °f 1.78 sq. kms. on the
south-western tip of Chorao Island along Mandovi River. It is covered by lush
mangrove vegetation crisscrossed by a network of tributaries and mland
streams. Although small in size, the sanctuary plays host to several species of Ocal as well as migratory birds and
is aptly named after Dr. Salim Ali, India's most celebrated ornithologist. It
can be easily reached from the Ribandar ferry wharf in Panaji. After crossing
over on the Ribandar – Chorao erry, one has to walk to reach the sanctuary.
Taking a boat tour on a canoe fitted with an 1 motor is very exciting.
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