ST. ALEX'S CHURCH - CALANGUTE
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 12 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Calangute Beach (2.1 Kms)
Trip Duration (From Calangute Beach , Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Place Location: Near Calangute Village
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Calangute Beach (2.1 Kms).
At a distance of 12 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 39 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 9 km from Mapusa, St. Alex Church is situated Calangute of North Goa.
St. Alex Church is one of the architectural masterpieces and counted among the oldest churches in Goa. The Church was dedicated originally to Our Lady of Guadalupe; however it was thereafter dedicated to St. Alex by an Apostolic Brief in 1815.
According to the history of this church, the original chapel was built in 1576 by St. Francis. The structure then was built simply of palm leaves along the sea shore. In 1595 the church was rebuilt by Franciscans with a cemetery. The church was a simple structure covered with leaves, made on the same location of the original chapel. The present structure of the church was made in 1741 by the villagers. In 1765, the towers of this church were installed, while the sanctuary was rebuilt in 1916.
The Church of St. Alex has two towers and a splendid dome modeled on the one at St. Peter's Basilica situated in Rome. The Church has 7 alters. The three main being at the center and two sides, dedicated to our lady of the Mount, Our lady of Perpetual succor, the sacred heart of Jesus and Mary and the Our Lady of the immaculate Conception. The church is indeed unique.
The Feast of St. Alex the Patron Saint is held each year on July 17, the main feast is still dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe and celebrated every year on 18th December. Locally, this most significant religious event is referred to as 'Khelleam Fest'. The death anniversary of St. Alex is observed on the Sunday that follows after 17th of July.
Timings: 9 AM - 8:30 PM on all days.
