15 Churches In Goa To Ring In The Christmas Celebrations

Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous church in Goa, and is visited by tourists from all over the world. One of the oldest ones around, the Basilica was built when the Jesuits came to India in the 15th century. This church is where the body of St. Francis Xavier lies and it also houses the surreal impressionist paintings of Dom Martin Basilica Bom of Jesus. This Catholic church is declared as a UNESCO heritage site and exhibits Baroque architecture. It’s located in Old Goa, and has mass service each day of the week. A Konkani mass service is held on Sunday evenings. 

How to Reach: The basilica is located 6 kms away from Panjim. You can map it on Google and drive through your car or bike easily. 

Mass Timings: Sunday – 10:15 AM (English); 8 AM, 9:15 AM & 6 PM (Konkani) | Monday to Saturday – 7 AM, 8 AM and 6 PM

Located in Velha, Se Cathedral is one of the biggest churches and convents of Goa and was built in the 16th century to commemorate the victory of Portuguese rule over India. This Goa church is host to the largest ancient bell in Goa and has also received the benediction of the Pope in the form of the Golden Rose. A beautiful set of steps lead to a large courtyard where the church lies. The exterior of the cathedral is notable for its Tuscan design. The loss of one bell tower, which was never rebuilt, is what makes the exterior stand out. Mass here is held throughout the week.

How to Reach: 6 kms from Panjim, you can include this church in the same trip as the Basilica, as they are located close to each other.

Mass Timings: Sunday – 7:30 AM, 10 AM, and 4 PM | Weekday – 7:30 AM and 6 PM

Another notable church in Goa is located in Ella village of Goa. Church of Our Lady of the Mount is one of the most famous churches in the state. It is actually situated right next to Se Cathedral, and offers breath-takingly beautiful views of the Mandovi river, Chorao islands, surrounding hills and Old Goa. In fact, this gorgeous church with its simple exteriors and lavish interiors has been featured in several Bollywood movies too. The Church of Our Lady of the Mount was established in 1510. Mass service is held every day of the week.

How to Reach: Located 10 kms away from Panjim. You can map it on Google and drive through your car or bike easily. 

Mass Timings: Sundays – 9 AM to 12 PM | Weekdays – 9 AM to 7 PM

LBB Tip: If you’re visiting in February, do stop by at this Goa church to check out the Monte Music festival.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is located in Panjim, and is a landmark in itself. The unique architecture and its convenient location makes this church in Goa a popular spot for photographs and shoots too. Established in the 17th century, it is also famous for an ancient bell that is believed to be the second largest of its kind in Goa (the first one is the Golden Bell which resides in the Se Cathedral). Mass service is available all throughout the week.

How to Reach: If you’re in central Panaji, the church is a well-known landmark and can be reached on foot within 10–15 minutes from major locations like the Panaji bus stand or the Mandovi River promenade.

Mass Timings: All days, 7 AM to 5:30 PM

Three Kings Chapel is one of the most popular churches in the state. Established in 1721, this Goa church is located on a hill far away from the hustle bustle of city life, in a small village called Cansaulim in South Goa. Apart from its reputation for mysterious legends, the church draws in crowds thanks to its picturesque location and beautiful exterior.

How to Reach: It’s located about 35 kms from Panjim. You can drive through the city and reach here in 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Mass Timings: NA

Church of St. Cajetan is easily one of the most beautiful churches of Goa, and is modelled after the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican city. With its Corinthian Architecture and Baroque style carvings, this church is the ideal place to see the Portuguese legacy in Goa. It is dedicated to St. Cajetan, who was a contemporary of St. Francis Xavier and the founder of the Order of monks called the Theatines. Church of St. Cajetan was established in 1661 and is located in Velha. Mass service is available all throughout the week.

How to Reach: Located 11 kms away from Panjim. You can map it on Google and drive through your car or bike easily. This trip can be clubbed with The Basilica & Se Cathedral as they are all in the same vicinity. 

Mass Timings: 7 AM to 12 noon & 4 PM to 7 PM

Located on the banks of Mandovi river in Britona, Our Lady of Penha De Franca Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Goa. This place of worship promises scenic views of the landscape all around, and the interiors are creatively designed, with a distinct European influence. Mass service is available on all days of the week and is conducted in Konkani only.

How to Reach: Located 5 kms away from Panjim, the church is 10-15 minutes of a car or bike ride. 

Mass Timings: Sundays – 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM and 9 AM | Weekdays – 6:30 AM, 7:15 AM and 8 AM 

The apparition of Our Lady of the Pilar is a widely accepted tradition, and this church is dedicated solely to this belief. According to a Spanish tradition, Our Lady of Pilar is the name given to the apparition of Virgin Mary that appeared to St. James the Apostle as he was praying by the banks of the Ebro at Saragossa. Mary is often depicted carrying baby Jesus in her arms resting above a pillar and hence the name, Our Lady of Pilar. Located in Velha, this church is popularly called ‘The Seraulim Church’ locally in Goa. All Masses are in Konkani except when mentioned.

How to Reach: Located 11 kms away from Panjim, making it a 20-30 minutes ride to the church.

Mass Timings: Sundays – 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM and 9 AM (English) & 5 PM | Thursdays – 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 4 PM and 5 PM (English) | Daily - 6:30 AM, 7:15 AM, 8 AM

The Mae De Deus Church in Saligao is known for its beautiful, stark white exteriors, the castle-like architecture and the Neo-Gothic style design. It is in fact the only church in Goa that has been built in the Neo-Gothic style. It is exceptionally beautiful at night and we highly recommend that you plan a visit post sunset to see the beauty of the white walls and glowing statue of Mae De Deus. Mass service is available all days of the week.

How to Reach: The Mae De Deus Church is located in Saligao, North Goa, near Mapusa. It’s about 10 kms from Panjim, an easy car or bike ride of 20-30 minutes.

Mass Timings: Sunday – 7 AM, 8:30 AM and 9:30 PM | Daily – 7 AM and 8 AM

Located in Siridao, the Chapel of Jesus Nazareth is a quiet, picturesque chapel done up in white and teal, that is surrounded by abundant greenery and provides beautiful views of the landscape around. A small chapel located along the shore of Siridao Beach, this church in Goa is famous for the scenic beauty around it. This shrine is also famous for the Feast of Jesus of Nazareth, which is celebrated there during the first week of Easter.

How to Reach: The Chapel of Jesus Nazareth is located in Salsaulim, South Goa. It’s 15 kms from Panjim, a car or bike ride will take 30 minutes.

Mass Timings: NA

In 1600, this church was built to fulfill a vow made by two Portuguese merchants who survived a harrowing storm in the Arabian Sea. Desperate and fearing for their lives, they prayed to St. Anthony, promising to construct a church in his honor at the first place they reached safely. Nearly 300 years later, the church was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style—a rare architectural choice for Goa. The design is intricate and beautiful, with a lobby, a broad nave, a sanctuary, an attached residence, and an open courtyard. The façade is equally impressive, featuring a frontispiece with two towers divided into three levels, each adorned with pointed arches. It’s truly a remarkable piece of history and architecture!

How to Reach: St. Anthony’s Church is located in Siolim which is about 20 kms from Panjim. Once in Siolim, you can easily reach the church via auto-rickshaws, taxis, or rented bikes, which are commonly available in Goa.

Mass Timings: Mass happens every Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday. For details please check their website.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, is a fascinating piece of history and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Churches and Convents of Goa. This church, along with a convent, was founded by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who arrived in Goa in the early 16th century. Its Baroque architecture is truly captivating, with the iconic brown and white façades that were popular during its time. The three-tiered façade features octagonal towers on either side, and at its center, there’s a niche housing a statue of St. Michael. It’s a stunning example of the rich history and artistry brought to Goa by the Portuguese!

How to Reach: The church is approximately 10 km east of Panjim. Once in Old Goa, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is near other landmarks like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, making it easy to explore multiple sites in the same area.

Mass Timings: Sundays – 7:20 AM, 10:00 AM (Konkani – Chapters Mass)

St. John the Baptist Church in Benaulim, Goa, known in Portuguese as Sao Joao Baptista Igreja em Benaulim, Goa, is a stunning piece of history and architecture. Perched on top of the hill, this whitewashed church is truly captivating, with its elegant altars and beautiful galleries that draw visitors from near and far. 

How to Reach: The church is 23 kms away from Goa International Airport (Dabolim). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Benaulim.

Mass Timings: Sunday - 6:15 AM & 7:45 AM (Konkani) | Weekdays - 7 AM (Konkani) | Saturday - 6:30 PM (English)

The construction of Santa Cruz Church was completed in the 16th century, and it has quite an interesting history! The Dominicans rebuilt it in the 18th century, and over time, what started as a small place of worship grew into one of the largest parishes in Goa. The church is built in the Neo-Roman style, which gives it a beautiful blend of Indian and European influences, showcasing the rich, glorious past of Goa. 

How to Reach: The church is 15 kms away from Goa International Airport (Dabolim). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Santa Cruz.

Mass Timings: Sundays – 6:30 AM, 7:15 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, and 5:30 PM | Weekdays – 6:30 AM and 7:15 AM 

St. Alex Church in Calangute really stands out, especially based on its location. Its front faces the rising sun, while the back overlooks the Arabian Sea, making it a stunning sight. If you’re coming to the village via Chogam Road and cross Boa Viagem Hill, you can’t miss the majestic appearance of the church. The road almost seems to lead straight to it, but then it takes a graceful curve around the church. The towers and the false dome create a beautiful artistic impression. The sparkling white walls blend perfectly with the green palm backdrop, making it a sight to behold. The church is dedicated to St. Alex and Our Lady. It has an ornate grotto and seven altars, which gives it a unique charm.

How to Reach: Calangute is just about 12 km away from Panaji. You can drive or take a taxi, and it will take around 20 minutes.

Mass Timings: Sunday – 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:45 AM, 5 PM | Weekday – 6:45 AM, 7:45 AM, 5 PM