HOLY CROSS CHURCH - VERNA
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 23 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Velsao Beach (5.8 kms)
Trip Duration (From Velsao Beach , Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: Verna
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Velsao Beach(5.8 kms).
Following places are near by:
Mhalsa Temple, Verna(2.2 kms)
At a distance of 23 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 18 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 14 km from Margao Railway Station, Holy Cross Church is situated in South Goa.
The Holy Cross Church also known as Verna Church is located in Verna. Since 1568 the Church was built three times in three different places. The present church is the third one and it was built in 1612 by the Jesuits. The first church of Verna was founded in 1568 on the elevated site of a temple to the goddess Santeri. The church later moved to the site of the Hindu cemetery traditionally located on high ground. The third church that is the present one was built 100 paces from that place. There is a Catholic cemetery on the slope above the church. This cemetery was created at the time but occupies the site of the old Hindu cemetery.
The facade of the Church is similar to the Old Goa Bom Jesus Basilica facade but divided into three orders. The facade faces north with a set- back tower on its east front and a rectangular block of the college type on its west flank joined by a cloister, one of whose galleries runs beside the church. The cloister is also well preserved. The church has a single nave covered by a tile roof and a barrel-vaulted chapel.
The Holy Cross feast was celebrated on 1st Sunday after 14th September every year with great pomp and gaiety.
