Church of St. Francis of Assisi

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi stands at the heart of Old Goa, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, just a short walk from the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Built by the Franciscans in the 16th century, it now houses an archaeological museum managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Its architecture blends Manueline Gothic, Baroque, and local influences, bearing witness to Portuguese colonial power in the State of Goa.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Admission: the church itself is freely accessible; the archaeological museum is ticketed (modest fee, reduced rates for Indian nationals)
• Access: Old Goa can be reached from Panaji by local bus or taxi; journey of approximately 10 km
• Recommended duration: 30 to 45 minutes for the church and museum
• Dress code: respectful attire recommended (active place of worship)
• Closure: the museum is closed on Fridays

What You'll See

The ochre laterite façade, framed by two towers, opens onto a richly decorated interior. The carved wooden ceiling, frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis, and the floor covered with Portuguese burial slabs command attention. The museum occupies the adjoining former convent: it preserves portraits of viceroys, stone sculptures, and liturgical objects from the colonial period.

History and Context

A first wooden chapel was erected on this site in 1521 by Franciscan friars. The present stone building dates to 1661. For centuries, the church served as a burial place for Portuguese notables in Goa. After Goa's liberation in 1961, the convent was converted into an archaeological museum, preserving considerable civil and religious heritage. The entire Old Goa complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Highlights of Your Visit

The Carved Wooden Ceiling

A rare example of Indo-Portuguese colonial woodwork, the coffered ceiling painted in the Baroque style depicts scenes from the life of St. Francis. Its state of preservation is remarkable for a structure of this age in a tropical climate.

The Burial Slabs

The floor of the nave is paved with gravestones inscribed in Latin and Portuguese. Many family coats of arms remain perfectly legible, offering a vivid glimpse into 17th-century colonial society.

The Archaeological Museum

Within the convent galleries, a collection of official portraits of Portuguese governors sits alongside Hindu sculptures recovered during local excavations—a striking contrast that reveals the cultural tensions and exchanges of the period.

Etiquette and Visiting Rules

• Attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended
• Silence is expected inside the church
• Avoid visiting during religious services
• Photography is generally permitted in the church; check for specific restrictions in the museum on-site

Photography Tips

The morning light (before 10 a.m.) illuminates the laterite façade in warm tones without harsh shadows. For the interior, a fast lens is useful: natural light remains subdued. Frame the façade from the courtyard to include the palms that naturally frame the building.

Location and Access

The church stands on the central square of Old Goa, just meters from the Basilica of Bom Jesus and opposite the Cathedral of Sé. From Panaji, local buses serve Old Goa regularly. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available. The site is not easily accessible by wheelchair due to cobblestones and steps.

Nearby Attractions

• Basilica of Bom Jesus — just a short walk away, it houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, venerated by pilgrims from around the world.
• Cathedral of Sé — the largest church in Asia during the Portuguese colonial period, famous for its Golden Bell.
• Convent and Church of St. Monica — the first women's convent founded in Asia, partially in ruins, with romantic charm.
• Panaji — the capital of Goa, with its colorful colonial houses in the Fontainhas neighbourhood, about ten kilometres away.