Things to Do at Church of St. Francis of Assisi

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Old Goa stands as one of the most historically significant and architecturally stunning churches in India. Built in 1661 by the Portuguese, this baroque masterpiece replaced an earlier Franciscan church from 1517. The church is renowned for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, whose body is displayed in a silver casket and attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world. The church showcases exquisite Portuguese colonial architecture with its ornate facade, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The interior features gilded altars, elaborate pulpit work, and stunning azulejo tiles that reflect the artistic fusion of European and Indian craftsmanship. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents the zenith of Christian art and architecture in Asia during the colonial period.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is located in Old Goa, approximately 10 kilometers from Panaji, the state capital. Regular buses run from Panaji's Kadamba Bus Terminal to Old Goa every 15-20 minutes. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available from Panaji, Margao, or any major Goan town. If arriving by train, the nearest railway station is Karmali (Old Goa), about 2 kilometers away. The church is easily accessible by road and well-connected to other heritage monuments in Old Goa, making it convenient to explore multiple sites in a single visit.