St Cajetan Church Old Goa
St Cajetan Church, Old Goa is a not-so-famous church that’s worth your time!
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Old Goa is known for its red and white churches. This week we’ll take the road less travelled
Sliding down one of the narrow alleys leading towards the Mandovi River in Old Goa, there is a lesser known church that’s totally worth your time.
The St Cajetan Church might not seem very impressive from the road, but after you park your car and head over, the beauty on the whitewashed walls comes alive
This Church is said to be modelled on the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. I haven’t yet visited Rome, so its kind of hard to compare but this I can say: The St.Cajetan Church is a wonder in itself.
The story goes that Pope Urban VIII sent 3 Italian Priests to spread Christianity to Golconda in the 17th century. The Priests were driven out only to land in Goa. Here they began setting up a hospital. When the Viceroy of Goa found out, he chucked them out too.
The Priests wouldn’t yet give up hope. So one of them hopped onboard a ship, no planes back in the 17th century:( to Portugal. He met with King Dom Joao IV and seek his express permission. Pleased with the priest, the King ordered his Viceroy to let the priests build a church in Goa.
The Our Lady of Divine Providence was built between 1655 and 1661. Building this church on a river bank was no easy feat.
The Architecture
The church appears rectangular.
Classical Corinthian columns flank the entrance. And the pedestal too reminds you of Rome. And within that white is a bit of Baroque. It makes you feel like the church is peaceful as the colour white but also in constant motion.
The structure is laterite coated with lime that makes it look white, like Snow White.
Inside St Cajetan Church
There is not much colour on the inside of the church either.
And above you is the magnificent dome
The words ‘Quaerite primum regnum Dei et haec omnia adjicientur vobis’ are inscribed on the inside of the dome. In english it means ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.’ Wow, that’s deep
St Cajetan Church also has 6 altars all made up of intricately carved wood.
And in the middle of the church is a platform. Any guesses what it hides?
There’s a well underneath!
Since the church is located on a river bank, there seems to be water in the sub-soil. This water makes the foundations weak. To prevent mishaps the architect built a well. The water can seep into it, making the foundations more stable. Ingenious, isn’t it?
The area surrounding this church is also rich in history
Down the lane is the Viceroy’s Arch, a former ceremonial gateway into Goa. Let’s keep its history for another day.
Or find out how this happened:
Till then, here’s a question for you. Have you been to a not-so-famous historical destination that was totally worth your time? Comment its name below
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