Old Goa Heritage Walk
About the experience
History buffs will love this heritage walk around Velha Goa (Old Goa), former capital city of the Portuguese colonial empire. Abandoned after the outbreak of a deadly epidemic in the mid 18th century, this precinct is the last standing relic of a long lost past. Velha Goa houses some of the oldest churches and monuments in the state, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Special Note:
Please note that on certain days, when the Se Cathedral or Basilica of Bom Jesus may be inaccessible due to mass services, we will include a visit to the majestic Our Lady of Rosary Church located on the historic Holy Hill as part of the Old Goa Heritage Walk.
Presented by: Make It Happen
Type of Experience: Signature
Location: North Goa , Share Start Point
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Physical Intensity: Light
Group Size: Min 1, Max 20
₹1,100
Discover a treasure trove of history on this intriguing heritage walk around the former colonial Portuguese capital in Velha Goa (Old Goa).
Description
₹3,600 Start From
Discover a treasure trove of history on this intriguing heritage walk around the former colonial Portuguese capital in Velha Goa (Old Goa).
Description
Need help to choose an experience, or combine multiple experiences to make a day of it, or make group bookings for 20+ people?
Call: +91 9764972646
Highlights
- Discover the fascinating history of Goa’s former Portuguese empire, as well as the origins of the old city.
- Explore an impressive collection of churches that have earned Goa its title as the ‘Rome of the Orient’; including the Chapel of St. Catherine (the oldest chapel in Goa), the domed Church of St. Cajetan and the famed Basilica of Bom Jesus – each with their own unique backstories and breathtaking architectural styles.
- Immerse yourself in tales of Goa’s various Catholic orders and revered saints, as well as enthralling legends of sealed passages, hidden vaults and tombs.
- Visit landmark monuments – from the iconic Viceroy’s Arch to ancient temple ruins that date back to the 12th century Kadamba dynasty.
- Marvel at the stunning natural beauty of this former port town situated along the banks of the Mandovi river.
Details
Whats Included
- Experience led by a knowledgeable local storyteller.
- Entry into some of the best churches in Asia which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
- A refreshing tender coconut water drink.
- If time permits, we could also visit more sites like the St. Augustine Ruins, Our Lady of Rosary Church and Monte Chapel.
Whats Excluded
- Hotel pickups and drops.
- Sightseeing points that fall outside of the curated route.
- We do not provide umbrellas, raincoats, hats/caps, face-masks or sanitizers.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancel up to 7 days before the Experience start time for a full refund, or within 24 hours of booking as long as the booking is made more than 48 hours before the start time.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If we cancel the experience due to unavoidable circumstances, then a full refund will be processed.
- For groups sizes of 15 and above, refund upon cancellation will be provided if cancellation is done 7 days prior to the booking date of the experience.
- Delay in arrival beyond 30 minutes from start time will result in a cancellation of the tour without refund.
Itinerary
Stop 1: A Gateway for the Nobility
Start your visit at the gate that once opened for the cream of Portuguese Goa. Look closely at the detailed carvings and patterns, steeped with stories of trade, power, and old-world prestige. At once, the gate sets a scene of a city which buzzed with colonial life.
Stop 2: A Mystic Temple Architectural Relic
Step into the past with this piece of pre-Portuguese Goa. It is a fragment of a Hindu temple, and its unique shape and materials hint at what it once was. As one goes to take a closer look, one thinks of how it later got repurposed. This single spot could probably capture Goa’s layered spiritual story, old beliefs merging with new ones, all in stone.
Stop 3: An Architectural Marvel with Greek Influences
Well, this is something one doesn’t get to see every now and then in India: a monument built totally in Greco-Roman style-tall columns, a big dome, and intricate decorations. Evidence that ideas traveled really far during Goa’s heyday, this is an obvious indication of how the city soaked up influences from around the world and made them its own.
Stop 4: One of the largest churches of Goa
Walk inside, and you’ll see why this church is such a big deal. The vast space, the high ceilings, the intricately decorated altars-everything about it speaks of grand ambition and deep faith. This place charts the journey of Christian art in the East and carries stories of saints and devotion that still inspire.
Stop 5: One of the most iconic churches, in celebration of the world’s most revered saint
This is one of the most favorite churches on the planet, and one can feel the importance of it the very moment one steps inside. The artistry, the ancient relics, the feeling of history-it all combines to attract people from the world over and makes the church a real center of faith and wonder.
What to Expect
The flamboyant entrance gates, temple relics, and monumental churches of Old Goa showcase the essence of a bygone era. This heritage walk reveals stories of trade, faith, and architecture, from ancient relics and Greco-Roman marvels to magnificent cathedrals and shrines that shaped the spiritual and cultural character of Goa.
Traveller Tips
- Please carry your own water bottle.
- We recommend wearing comfortable footwear and using sunscreen.
- Please also carry your own umbrella/raincoat or cap/hat/sunglasses (as the weather dictates).
FAQ’s
- How do we reach the meeting point at Viceroy’s Arch?
The location link will be sent to your mobile along with the details of the walk and the name and contact number of your storyteller. - Is there parking available?
Yes. There is ample parking space at the meeting point. - Can this heritage walk be done using a vehicle?
While we ideally recommend experiencing Old Goa through a walk, we understand that some travellers may have physical limitations. A tour by vehicle can be organised as a special private experience, where we will do our best to ensure that the experience remains as close as possible to the heritage walk. - Is photography permitted?
Yes, photography is permitted in the area – Architectural photography of facades, doorways and archways are permitted. However,it is not permitted to take selfies or pose for pictures inside the churches. Photography & videography is also strictly prohibited at the Se Cathedral & Basilica of Bom Jesus. - Can we consume beer / other alcoholic drinks during the experience?
No. It is not recommended to consume alcohol during the experience as we will be visiting holy/religious sites. Alternatively, you can book our Goan Feni & Tapas Experience for a more immersive experience on local Goan cocktails and cuisine. - Are washrooms available?
There are public washrooms available within the premises of the heritage sites. Washrooms in Old Goa Residency managed by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation can also be used.
Reviews
She was very informative and good company. We had a great time with her!
The cocktails were all very yummy and sweet. Our favourite one was the signature cocktail in Kokum Curry and all of the dishes were delicious, but the pork roast in Welcom Heritage Panjim was just a cut above.
Thank you. Highly recommend!
A The our full of history and delicious sweets and amazing local drink and music.
I strongly recommend this agency and Hinaz.
We are history buffs who love understanding cultural context. We were hooked on every word.
The tour was highly interactive and made us feel part of the story of Fontainhas.
She was very considerate, often pausing to let us take photos and even helping us capture some great moments.
Her hospitality was exceptional, with visits to quaint cafés, bakeries, and eateries, where she treated us to some of the best local delicacies, offering us a taste of history in the most literal sense.
The highlight of the tour was a musical performance organised exclusively for us, with a talent young lady singing songs in Konkani, Portuguese, and Spanish on a ukulele.
It's a must-do for anyone wanting to connect with the roots of the city.
Hinaz showed us the portuguese quarter with a lot of interesting information, typical sweets and meeting an elderly Goan Gentleman, who played local folksongs for us. It was lovely!
Sejal did the Feni and Tapas Tour with us and it was just a good time, with a lot of laughs and sooo good food and Feni.
Shiv showed us Port Agua and we completed our picture of Goan History in this region of Goa.
The tours were so rich in information and at the same time light and fun. Thank you!
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