Things to Do in Old Goa: Churches, Routes and Planning

Old Goa brings together major churches and convents that trace the region’s religious and colonial history. Built mainly during the 16th and 17th centuries, the complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Start with the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Its foundation stone was laid on 24 November 1594, construction was completed on 15 May 1605, and it became a minor basilica in 1946. From there, the historic precinct’s compact layout makes it practical to continue on foot.

A 1.5-kilometre stretch of churches and monasteries includes the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, with Holy Hill at the end of the walk. Begin at the basilica, continue to Se Cathedral, then head west to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Se Cathedral was consecrated in 1640. West of it, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi stands beside the convent that houses the Archaeological Museum. St. Cajetan’s Church is another church in the Old Goa heritage area; allow time to visit it if you want to extend the route beyond the main pair.

A Divar Island day trip from North Goa is another excursion to consider when planning days around Goa.

Opening schedules vary by church and site, so check the official site before you go. The Government of Goa gives the Basilica of Bom Jesus hours as weekdays 9:00–18:30 and Sundays 10:30–18:30. It gives Se Cathedral service times—not visitor-opening hours—as 7:15, 10:00 and 16:00 on Sundays, and 7:30 and 18:00 on weekdays.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation gives the Church of St. Francis of Assisi hours as Monday to Saturday, 7:30–18:30. The Archaeological Museum is open seven days a week, 9:00–12:30 and 15:00–18:30, while St. Cajetan’s Church is open seven days a week, 9:00–19:00. When entering active churches, be respectful of worship and follow any instructions posted at the site.

Allow time to walk the 1.5-kilometre church-and-monastery stretch, visit the main landmarks and pause at Holy Hill. Goa’s seasonal weather and travel patterns can help you place the day trip in your itinerary.

If the Archaeological Museum is on your list, account for its midday closure between 12:30 and 15:00; you could visit the churches first, then plan the museum around its opening hours.

Keep Se Cathedral’s service schedule separate from visitor access, and verify current opening details for each stop before travelling. That makes it easier to shape the day around the sites you want to see rather than assuming every church follows the same hours.

What are the main things to do in Old Goa?

Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, continue to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and follow the historic church route towards Holy Hill. St. Cajetan’s Church and the Archaeological Museum can extend the visit.

How long is the Old Goa church walk?

The stretch connecting churches and monasteries, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, is 1.5 kilometres and ends at Holy Hill.

Are Se Cathedral’s service times visitor-opening hours?

No. The times given for Se Cathedral are service times, not visitor-opening hours.

When were Old Goa’s main churches built?

The churches and convents were built mainly during the 16th and 17th centuries. Se Cathedral was consecrated in 1640.