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Churches and Convents of Goa The Churches and Convents at Velha (Old) Goa served as the Portuguese East India capital city. Blessed with natural harbours and wide rivers, Goa was the ideal base for the seafaring Portuguese, who arrived in 1510. They aimed to control the spice route from the east and had a strong desire to spread Christianity, which resulted in the building of churches and convents. The city contains group of churches and cathedrals built during 16th to 17th century AD, affiliated to various congregations, including the Se' Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus; Church of Lady of Rosary; Church of St. Augustine.The famous and magnificent Churches and Convents of Goa were declared a World Heritage Site in the year 1986. The paintings in the churches were done on wooden borders and fixed between panels having floral designs as in the chapels housing the tomb of St. Xavier, the arches above the altars in the transept of the Se' Cathedral and in the nave on either side of the main altar in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, located 10 km east Panaji (Capital of Goa) was built in 16th Century. 'Bom Jesus' means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus'. Bom Jesus is said to be one of the grandest Churches to be raised in Asia and considered as one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India. Made of black granite, its part Doric and part Corinthian façade is elaborately carved. The mausoleum of St. Xavier is a marvel of Italian art and Hindu craftsmanship. The elaborately gilded altars are fine examples of sculptures and carvings in wood, stone, gold and granite. Columns are covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones. The church also houses paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. Se' Cathedral, another celebrated religious buildings of Goa was constructed in 16th century under the Portuguese rule. The Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria on whose feast day in 1510, Alfonso Albuquerque defeated the Muslim army and took possession of the city of Goa. Hence, it is also known as St. Catherine's' Cathedral. The church is 250 ft in length and 181 ft in breadth. World Heritage Site IndiaAgra Fort | Ajanta Caves | Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | Churches and Convents of Goa| The Elephant Caves | Ellora Caves | Fatehpur Sikri | Great Living Chola TemplesGroup of Monuments at Hampi | Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Humanyun’s Tomb, Delhi | Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya | Mountain Railways of India The Qutab Minar and its Monuments | Red Fort Complex | Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka Sun Temple, Konârak | Taj Mahal, Agra | Natural |