St. Cajetan Church, Old Goa in Goa
· Summer: March-May (30°C - 36°C)
· Winter: October-February (22°C - 32°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
October-February
Opening Time: 09:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 07:00 p.m. (closed from 12 noon to 04:00 p.m.)
Weekly Holiday: N/A
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
N/A
Children:
N/A
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Video Camera:
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Old Goa is home to many important churches and cathedrals, the St, Cajetan Church being one of them. Formerly known as the Church of Our Lady of Diving Providence, it boasts of breathtaking architecture, mixing the elements of Corinthian and Baroque styles. Made of lime-plastered laterite blocks, the church features turrets which work as belfries or bell towers and the total of 7 baroque style altars. The Church was constructed in 1661 and was inspired by Rome’s Basilica of St. Peter.
While the main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Diving Providence, there are three altars on its each side, dedicated to St. Cajetan, St, John, St. Agnes, St. Clare, Our Lady of Piety and the Holy Family. Canvas paintings, wooden pulpit and huge piers add to the fabulous interiors. Internally, the church body takes the form of a Greek cross. Interestingly, there is a well inside the temple which indicates the possible existence of a Hindu temple at the site.
Connectivites
Road:
Located about 12 km. from the state capital Panaji, the church is easily accessible via National Highway 4A which runs along River Mandovi, offering a scenic trip to the tourists. Local buses, taxis, cabs, auto-rickshaws and rented two-wheelers are all popular modes to cover this road distance.
Railway:
Among many railway stations of Goa, those at Vasco da gama (about 27 km.), Thivim (about 32 km.) and Madgaon (about 36 km.) offer convenient access to the church in taxis and cabs.
Airway:
Dabolim Airport of Goa is only about 26 km. from the church. Taxis and cabs are available close to the airport to enjoy a hassle-free trip to the church.