Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi Old Goa: History, Architecture & Visitor Guide
Situated directly behind the grand Sé Cathedral in Old Goa (Velha Goa), the Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most historically significant and artistically rich monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage cluster.
First established in 1517 by eight Franciscan friars, it stands as the oldest religious foundation in Old Goa. Famous for its rare Portuguese-Manueline entrance portal—the only remaining architectural artifact of its kind in Asia—and its adjoining convent turned ASI Archaeological Museum, this site offers an indispensable window into Goa’s colonial and pre-colonial past.
Here is a complete guide to the Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, covering its history, unique architectural elements, museum highlights, visitor details, and nearby attractions.
View Location on Map
To easily navigate to the monument using GPS or Google Maps, use the map location details below:
- Location Address: Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Off NH 744, Next to Sé Cathedral, Old Goa, Velha Goa, Goa 403402
History & Spiritual Significance: The First Franciscan Mission
The history of the Church and Convent traces back to the earliest years of Portuguese presence in India:
- Arrival of the Franciscans (1517): Eight Franciscan friars arrived in Goa in 1517 and built a modest chapel, which was completed in 1521 and dedicated to the Holy Ghost.
- Reconstruction in Tuscan-Baroque Style (1661): As the original structure deteriorated over time, it was completely torn down and rebuilt in 1661. However, the builders carefully preserved the ornate Manueline stone doorway from the 1521 chapel, embedding it into the new facade.
- Convent to Museum Transition: The attached convent served as living quarters for Franciscan monks until 1835, when religious orders were suppressed by the Portuguese government. In 1964, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) converted the convent building into Goa’s primary Archaeological Museum.
Architectural Splendor & Artistic Highlights
Unlike the plain exteriors of neighboring churches, the interior of St. Francis of Assisi is heavily decorated with paintings, frescoes, and relief sculptures:
- Manueline Portal: The main entrance doorway features intricate stone carving in the Portuguese-Manueline style (a late Gothic architectural movement inspired by seafaring motifs, armillary spheres, and twisted ropes).
- Octagonal Towers & Facade: The exterior facade is built in the Tuscan order, flanked by two octagonal towers with a central statue of St. Michael.
- Gilded Main Altar: The inner sanctuary features a soaring Corinthian-style altar. Above the main tabernacle stands a large wooden statue of St. Francis of Assisi embracing the crucified Christ.
- 17th-Century Wall Paintings: The internal walls of the nave are adorned with wood panels and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi and biblical narratives.
- Floor Tombstones: The church nave floor contains dozens of carved granite tombstones bearing coats of arms of Portuguese nobles and administrators.
The ASI Archaeological Museum of Goa
The adjoining 16th-century convent building houses the ASI Archaeological Museum, spread across eight curated galleries:
- Gallery Highlights: Exhibits cover Goa’s history from the prehistoric era through the Kadamba and Bijapur dynasties to the Portuguese colonial rule.
- Viceroy Portrait Gallery: A world-famous collection of life-size oil portraits depicting Portuguese Viceroys and Governors of Goa spanning over 400 years.
- Statues & Sculptures: Features a large bronze statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, a statue of Portuguese poet LuÃs Vaz de Camões, and 11th-century basalt sculptures of Hindu deities (including Surya and Vishnu with his ten incarnations) from ancient Goan temples.
Key Visitor Information
| Essential Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Goa (Velha Goa), Tiswadi Taluka, Central Goa |
| Church Timings | Mon to Sat: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM | Sun: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Museum Timings | Sat to Thu: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays) |
| Entry Fee | Church: Free | Museum: ₹25 for adults (Free for kids under 15) |
| Dress Code | Modest attire (knees and shoulders covered) |
| Nearest Airport | Dabolim Airport (~26 km) / Manohar International Airport, Mopa (~48 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Karmali Railway Station (~3 km) / Madgaon Railway Station (~35 km) |
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Plan Around Museum Hours: The church is open daily, but the ASI Museum is closed on Fridays. Plan your visit between Saturday and Thursday if you wish to see the portrait gallery.
- Observe the Manueline Portal: Take a moment at the front entrance to appreciate the stone portal—it is the only surviving piece of 16th-century Manueline architecture in East Asia.
- Combine with Sé Cathedral: Since the church is located right next door to Sé Cathedral, both monuments can be explored together in under 2 hours.
- Photography Rules: Photography is allowed inside the church, but flash photography inside the ASI Museum galleries may be restricted.
Photo Gallery Of Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Nearby Attractions to Visit Around Old Goa
When visiting the Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, you can easily explore these neighboring historic sites:
- Sé Cathedral: Located right beside the church, Asia’s largest cathedral housing the famous Golden Bell.
- Basilica of Bom Jesus: Located just across the main road, housing the silver casket and relics of St. Francis Xavier.
- Church of St. Cajetan: Located 300 meters northeast, built in the likeness of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
- Viceroy’s Arch: Located 500 meters north toward the Mandovi River, the historic entrance gate to Old Goa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi located?
A: It is situated in Old Goa (Velha Goa), directly behind Sé Cathedral along National Highway 744.
Q2. What is special about the entrance portal of the church?
A: The main doorway is carved in the rare Portuguese-Manueline style. Retained from the original 1521 chapel during the 1661 rebuild, it is the only architectural piece of Manueline origin surviving in Asia.
Q3. Is the Archaeological Museum located inside the church?
A: The museum is housed inside the former convent building attached to the church structure.
Q4. What are the opening days for the ASI Archaeological Museum?
A: The museum is open from Saturday to Thursday (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and remains closed on Fridays.