Old Goa
In the sixteenth century Old Goa was a prosperous city with a population larger than that of London and considered to be the largest and richest city in Asia! At this time Old Goa was called (by the Portuguese) Golden Goa or Goa Dourada and boasted fine buildings and magnificent churches; the whole city glittered with gold and glamour as testament to the wealth and grandeur of the Portuguese rule.
The magnificent splendour of Old Goa was however quite short-lived. By the end of the 16th century the Portuguese maritime and colonial power waned. The fortunes of Old Goa began to dwindle too. The city's decline was accelerated by the activities of the Inquisition. A succession of devastating epidemics struck the area wiping out the majority of the population. The city was demolished and a new capital was rebuilt up river where Panjim now stands.
What remains today are the impressive Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus which is home to the remains of St. Francis Xavier and a number of Churches, Convents and Chapels.
Other Activities
Please select another activity you're interested in:-
Water Sports
Beaches
Wildlife
Indian Markets
Old Goa
Spice Plantations
Beyond Goa
