Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine

The Church of St. Augustine is a historic church complex located in Vela Village, Old Goa (South Goa) about 12 km from the state capital Panaji. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Churches, and Convents of Goa, recognized for its cultural significance and architectural value along with the Basilica of the Escorial in Spain and St. Vincente de Fora in Lisbon.

Visiting Hours: Monday To Sunday 9 Am To 5 Pm, No Entry Fee

Dress Code: Modest Dressing

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Historical Information

The church was considered one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian world,. The complex had eight chapels, four altars, a convent, and four towers.

The Church of St. Augustine was built between 1597 and 1602 by Augustinian friars who arrived in Goa in 1587. It was considered one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian world, along with the Basilica of the Escorial in Spain and St. Vincente de Fora in Lisbon.

The church was abandoned in 1835 due to the expulsion of the Augustinians from Goa by the Portuguese authorities. The subsequent neglect led to the collapse of the vault in 1842, and the body of the church collapsed soon after. By 1871, the bell was moved from the tower to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim, where it remains to date.

In 1931, the facade of the church and half the tower collapsed, and by 1938, most of the other parts had also collapsed. Today, only half of the original tower remains, standing at 46 meters (150 feet) in height.

Despite the ruined state of the church today, the remaining tower and excavated foundations provide a glimpse into the once-grand and ornate design of this historic Augustinian church complex in Old Goa.

In recent years, the site has been the subject of archaeological excavations, which have uncovered relics of the Georgian Queen St. Ketevan the Martyr. The queen was martyred in 1624 after refusing to convert to Islam or marry her captor, and her remains were hidden by Portuguese clerics in Persia before being brought to Goa. The relics were discovered in 2006, and DNA tests are being conducted to confirm their identity.

Architecture

The architecture of the church was likely of Italian origin, though the specific designer is unknown. The grand scale, use of laterite, and inclusion of multiple chapels, altars, and towers are indicative of the impressive Augustinian architectural style present in the Iberian world at the time.

The original church complex was an impressive and grand structure, featuring:

• 8 chapels
• 4 altars
• A convent with various cells
• 4 towers, of which only half of one tower remains today

The remaining tower is a four-storied structure built of laterite and stands 46 meters (150 feet) tall. Excavations have revealed the original scale and layout of the complex.

Must See Features

At the Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine in Old Goa, visitors can explore and witness several fascinating features despite the church’s dilapidated state. Some of the notable things to see at the ruins include:

1. The Tower: The most prominent feature that remains standing is the 46-meter-high tower, which was once part of the church’s facade and served as a belfry.
2. Architectural Remnants: Crumbling arches, stone walls, and ruins of what was once a grand church complex can be observed, offering a glimpse into the architectural grandeur of the past.
3. Ledger Stones: Visitors can find several ledger stones, which are inscribed stone slabs, on the floor of the ruins, each possibly holding historical significance.
4. Inscriptions: Ornate and mysterious inscriptions on the red and brown walls of the ruins provide a sense of the church’s history and add to the allure of the site.
5. Relics of St. Ketevan the Martyr: Recent discoveries of relics believed to belong to the Georgian Queen St. Ketevan the Martyr add an intriguing historical dimension to the site, showcasing the ongoing archaeological significance of the ruins.
6. Historical Significance: The ruins themselves serve as a poignant reminder of the church’s past glory and the architectural achievements of the Augustinian friars, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

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Must See Nearby Attractions

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus – This UNESCO World Heritage site is located just 128 meters away from the Church of St. Augustine ruins. It is one of the most famous churches in Goa.
2. Church of St. Francis of Assisi – Another historic church located just 141 meters from the St. Augustine ruins. It features interesting architectural remains and relics.
3. Tomb of St. Francis Xavier – The tomb of the famous Jesuit missionary is situated very close to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, about 120 meters from the St. Augustine ruins.
4. Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina – Also known as the Se Cathedral, this is the largest church in Goa and is located about 220 meters from the St. Augustine ruins.
5. Museums of the Archaeological Survey of India – These museums, which introduce visitors to Portuguese history and early Christianity in Goa, are located in the vicinity of the St. Augustine ruins.
6. Convent of Santa Monica – This convent-cum-museum is another nearby attraction that provides insights into Goa’s past.

The Church of St. Augustine is a fascinating piece of history, offering a glimpse into the past through its crumbling walls and the stories they tell.