ST. PAUL'S CHURCH - OLD GOA
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 10.5 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Basilica of Bom Jesus (1.6 kms)
Trip Duration (From Basilica of Bom Jesus , Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Place Location: Old Goa
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Basilica of Bom Jesus (1.6 kms).
Following places are near by and are usually visited together:
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier (550 mts) , Church of the Carmelites (800 mts)
At a distance of 12 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, St. Paul's Church is situated at Old Goa part of North Goa.
The St. Paul Church is a ruined Church that is a popular tourist attraction in Goa. It is located on the road from Old Goa to Ponda. The Church of St. Paul came into existence as an institution of Holy Faith. This institution was established by Diogo de Borba and Miguel Vaz to train young converts.
The construction of the church began in November 1541 and was completed on 25th January 1543. The day which marked the completion of this Church was the day of Feast of Conversion of St. Paul to whom the church was dedicated. However, Church of St Paul was pulled down in 1560 because of its poor condition. In the same year on 25th January a big foundation stone was laid for a huge church. Three arches of magnificent dimensions covering the existing road were built under the supervision of Jesuit Joao de Faria 20 years later, and were popularly known as St. Paul of Arches. But the construction of this new structure faced rigorous opposition of the Augustinians and Nuns from Santa Monica. Not only this, some enemies of Jesuits set fire to the building four times between 1591 and 1675.
St. Paul's college was the first house of the Jesuit Order in Goa. The College of St Paul was considered among the leading in India. Not only primary education imparted here, but one could earn a degree in higher education in subjects like Music, Latin, Arts and Sciences. Higher education included a Master's as well as the Doctorate degree. The College had a vast library with numerous books, a hospital and a house for the newly converts and the first printing press in Asia was set up in this College.
The Church and College which were in a devastated state was fully demolished by the Government in 1829. The material was taken to Panaji to be used for new constructions. The remaining archway of the portico of the Church lies on the road from Old Goa to Ponda. There were some mortal remains of revered St. Francis Xavier which was later taken to Basilica of Bom Jesus.
