Before the arrival of the Portuguese, Old Goa was a prosperous city and the second capital of the Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur. In those years, it was a fortress surrounded by walls, towers, and a moat. It housed several temples, mosques, and the large palace of Adil Shah. Today, however, none of these structures remain except for a fragment of the entrance to the palace. The city’s decline was initiated by the inquisition and a devastating epidemic that struck in 1835. Located 9 km east of Panaji, this former Portuguese capital is a must see along with its impressive churches and cathedrals. In fact, this city was once compared to Lisbon due to its alluring charm and splendor.

The crowds flock to Old Goa at weekends and during the ten days leading up to the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, on 3rd December.

• St Cathedral
• Convent & Church of St Francis of Assisi
• Basilica of Bom Jesus ( the incorrupt body of St Francis Xavier)
• Church of St. Cajetan
• Church of St Augustine (Runis)
• Church & Convent of St Monica
• Other Historic Sights:
• Viceroy’s Arch
• Gate of Adil Shah’s Palace
• Chapel of St Anthony
• Chapel of St Catherine
• Alburqueque’s Steps
• Convent & Church of St John
• Sister’s Convent
• Church of Our Lady of the Mount

Tourists generally visit Old Goa on a day trip. Therefore, there is barely any accommodation available here except for the GTDC run hotel called Old Goa Heritage View.

• Buses leave at regular intervals from Old Goa to the Kadamba bus stand in Panaji.
• A bicycle ride from Old Goa on the flat road that follows the Mandovi River takes around 45 minutes and is rather pleasant.

Old Goa has not seen any excessive development in the recent past. Therefore, you will not find any upscale restaurants or eating joints out here. There are, however, two restaurants located outside the Basilica that cater to local tourists by offering for full meals, cold drinks, and some beer. One can also find a few stalls selling cheap, packaged snacks, located a little north of the Old Goa Heritage View.