Introduction

In proximity to the Nunnery atop Holy Hill in Old Goa stands the iconic 46-meter-high (153 feet) tower that served as a belfry and formed a part of the façade of the magnificent Church of St. Augustine. The construction of the church was initiated by twelve Augustan friars in 1572, and was completed only by 1602. Now in ruins, the church was perhaps the biggest in Goa in its heyday. Reproduced on innumerable travel magazines and post cards, the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine is one of the most photographed monuments in Goa.

Holy Hill in Old Goa was the site of the monastery of the Augustinian order, adjacent to which was the enormous church of Our Lady of Grace. The lofty tower that remains today is one of the four towers of St. Augustine Church that once stood on the site. The church had eight richly embellished chapels, four altars and a convent with numerous cells attached to it. The vestiges of the arched piers were visible until recently; they supported spacious choirs which would have accommodated a gathering of Augustinian monks.

Today the nave of the church lies under the open sky, where locals gather in the evening under its ramshackle arches and shoot the breeze. The nave was once covered with a barrel vault of enormous weight, which unfortunately hastened its collapse. It was in 1835 that the church was forsaken due to the repressive policies of the Portuguese government that lead to the ouster of many religious orders from Goa. After the church fell into neglect, the vault collapsed in 1842, with the destruction of the body of the church coming close on the heels. The façade, however, remained intact.

The bell from the huge tower was removed and put in the church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in Panaji in 1871, where it can be seen and heard till today. Again in 1931, the façade and half the tower collapsed, followed by a few more sections in 1938 leaving only half the tower that is visited by thousands of travelers today. Stroll around the area, take photographs of the magnificent ruins and enjoy a panoramic view over Old Goa.

Special Attributes

Reproduced on innumerable travel magazines and post cards, the 17th century ruins of the Church of St. Augustine is one of the most photographed monuments in Goa.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take a private taxi or hire a motorcycle. Besides, there are frequent buses from Panaji to Old Goa. You can drive comfortably on NH 4A, which begins as the Ribander Causeway, runs east along the Mandovi River, and continues south-east to Ponda.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, especially history lovers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Goa. The sun can get harsh near afternoon, so you are advised to carry sunshades, a sun block cream and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

Wonderful photographic opportunities, great views over Old Goa

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

While exploring the church ruins, tread carefully as the dilapidated nave and the arches are ancient and you might disturb their arrangement.

Type of site

Ruins of a 17th century Augustinian monastery