The Church of Mae De Deus

Built in 1873, the Church of Mae De Deus or Mother of God Church will give you the feel right out of a fairy tale with Gothic architecture which will mesmerize you completely along with the surroundings of the church which itself is a breathtaking sight. A family tour to North Goa, Church of Mae De Deus is a must to visit the place like this is one of the best places to visit with family especially at night when the whole church is decorated in a spectacular fashion. The courtyard of the church has a beautiful statue of Mae De Deus made up of black stones and stunningly distinctive jutting spires all over the church building. Along with the imposing interiors, this church has an altar stone that was taken from the Convent in Daujim. The Church of Mae De Deus is one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in Goa as it was declared the heritage structure which is brilliantly lit and easily visible whenever you travel past the street. 

Major highlights of the Mae De Deus Church

• Built-in 1873.
• Known as Mother of God Church
• Peaceful Vibe.
• Statue of Mae De Deus
• Imposing Interiors
• Neo-Gothic Architecture

Timings of the Mae De Deus Church

Everyday 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Mass Timings at Mae De Deus Church

From Monday to Saturday - 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM

Sunday -  7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 9:30 AM

How to reach Mae De Deus Church.

Mae De Deus is located at a distance of 10Km from the Panaji Bus stand. You can rent a car or hire a taxi to reach here. It will take only 20-25 minutes. 

Bodgeshwar Temple

Located in the verdant greenery near Mapusa at about 12Km from Panji, the Temple of Bodgeshwar is one of the important Temples of North Goa. This holy temple is counted as a masterpiece of its own and also one of the most famous tourist places as thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit the temple of Bogdeshwar to get their prayer herd. If you are looking for peace and serenity in Goa then the Temple of Bodgeshwar is the place where you’ll spend hours performing rituals and meditation and you won’t even realize how many hours have gone by. It's a temple that is regarded as ‘Angvani’ which refers to one to whom vows are made and fulfill the desires of the devotees, so on the basis of this belief people offer some present to God as promised by them in fulfillment of their desire. The Temple of Bodgeshwara attracts many tourists and pilgrims in the month of December and January as a fair called Zatra is held every year at the temple.

Major highlights of Bodgeshwar Temple

• One of the best places for peace and serenity.
• Regarded as Angvani.
• Zatra festival.
• Dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba also known as Bongini.
• Lush greenery all around.

How to reach Bodgeshwar Temple.

Bodgeshwar Temple is about 12 Km from and located on the outskirts of Mapusa Town. You can easily get a taxi or rent a car to reach here. It will only take 20-25 minutes to reach here.

Timing of Bodgeshwar Temple

Bodgeshwar Temple opens daily at 6 AM in the morning and closes at 8 PM in the night.

Bom Jesus Basilica

The world-famous Bom Jesus Basilica characterized by Baroque architecture and fine detailing located in Bainguinim, about 10Km from Panjim is among the best North Goa tourist places and also one of the richest and wealthiest facades in Goa. Being counted as one of the most famous places in not only North Goa but all over the country, there are many reasons why it is a major tourist attraction of Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the mortal remaining of St. Francis Xavier for which this Roman Catholic Church is widely famous all over the world. The church was constructed in 1605 and is one of the oldest churches not only in Goa, but in the country as well, and with regard to this Bom Jesus Basilica is also a part of the Churches and convents of Goa UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church also has 2 modern art galleries where there are oil paintings dedicated to various verses in the Bible. These Italian paintings were designed by some renowned artists in the era of 1970-1976. Paintings in the church speak majorly about Christianity and Italian culture from an Italian perspective.

Major highlights of Bom Jesus Basilica

• UNESCO World Heritage.
• Holds the relics of St. Francis Xavier.
• Built-in 1604.
• Baroque Architecture.
• Modern Art Gallery.
• Oldest Church in Goa

How to reach Bom Jesus Basilica.

Basilica of Bom Jesus is about 10 Km from Panaji. You can easily get a taxi or rent a car to reach here. It will only take 20-25 minutes to reach here.

Best time to visit Bom Jesus Basilica.

From October, the post-monsoon season is said to be the best time to visit Bom Jesus Basilica. You can experience the glory of the church in the post-monsoon season from October to March.

Church of our lady of Immaculate Conception

You just can not miss The Church of our lady of Immaculate Conception located in Panjim when in North Goa as this is the place where you will never get tired of admiring the beautiful architecture with a fine blend of classic white Baroque, the mesmerizing charm, and the serenity that it holds. you just cannot go anywhere in Panaji without passing this church. Poised as it is on the hilltop and being a backdrop of many Bollywood movies, people describe the church as the Crown of Panaji, as it has a great big wedding cake-like structure along with a bride waiting at the altar. The church attracts major tourists in December as on the 8th of December they celebrate the feast of Immaculate Conception with great pomp and fervor.

The Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is located at the Main Square of Old Goa, about 10 Km from Panaji and was established by eight Franciscan friars who came to Goa in 1517. The Church started off as a chappel and later was upgraded to Church in 1521. The main highlight of the church is the large statue of St Francis of Assisi and the altar above it. You will be pleased to know that here you will many scenes from the Bible on the walls of the church along with many beautiful paintings that belong to the 17th Century. The mesmerizing beauty of original Portuguese Manueline architecture is also presented here while entering the church. There are many tourist attractions here like the annual feast of the church and convent of St. Francis of Assisi that takes place in the month of October every year to bless the animals and you can also be a part of it, architectural sightseeing of the church, and you can also explore the portrait gallery that holds unique portraits of Vasco da Gama and many other personalities along with the archaeological museum to spot many artefacts, statues, and many other interesting collections. The church is open from Monday to Saturday with timing from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM in the evening and is closed on Sunday. Whereas the museum is open from Monday to Sunday but has some timing to follow 9AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 6:30 PM.