SANTA CRUZ CHURCH / HOLY CROSS CHURCH
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 3.3 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Kadamba Bus Terminus
Trip Duration (From Kadamba Bus Terminus, Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Place Location: Santa Cruz
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 3.3 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 25 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 17.5 km from Mapusa, Holy Cross Church is situated in North Goa.
The Holy Cross Church is also known as Santa Cruz Church situated in Santa Cruz or Calapur village. The name Santa Cruz is derived from two words Santa means holy and Cruz means Cross. The Holy Cross Church was built in Calapur at the recommendation of the King of Portugal in 1957 as a means of converting the people to Christianity. The Dominicans baptized thousands in Calapur in a short span by conducting classes in reading, writing and Christian doctrine in the church for the children up to the age of ten.
The facade of the Church of Santa Cruz is a replica of the Se Cathedral and many little secrets are carved into the main door. In addition to the main church building there are 5 chapels and 9 crosses, besides many crosses that have been erected by families themselves.
The feast of Holy Cross Church is held on the Sunday between 2nd and 8th of May every year which is the main village festival. The villagers also celebrate harvest festival with great pomp on 24th August.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
