The church was converted from an earlier, smaller chapel built in 1517.
The doorway of the church is carved in the Manueline style, one of the few remaining examples of this Portuguese decorative architecture in India.
The floor features ornate tombstones dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, some of which are among the oldest in the region.
The church was built by the Franciscan order, who were the first to arrive in Goa in 1517.
The site shares a complex with a former convent that now serves as an Archaeological Museum.
The central altar holds a large statue of St. Francis of Assisi and an 18th-century painting of the saint.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a 17th-century Catholic structure located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Goa. Originally built by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1517, the current structure dates back to 1661. It incorporates a mix of Tuscan, Manueline, and Baroque architectural styles. The interior features a gilded, carved wooden altar and a series of paintings on wood depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The church floor is composed of tombstones bearing coats of arms and inscriptions of former Portuguese governors. Attached to the church is an archaeological museum established by the Archaeological Survey of India. The structure stands on a raised platform, highlighting its elevated historical importance in the colonial administration of Goa.
From the expansive lawn directly in front of the white-washed facade to capture the full architectural symmetry.
Visit the attached Archaeological Museum for a deeper context on local history.
Respect the ongoing religious significance of the site by maintaining a quiet demeanor.
Carry a hat or umbrella, as the walk between the nearby Basilicas can be exposed to high heat.
Avoid touching the historic wooden altarpieces or taking flash photography inside the interior.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; remove shoes before entering the sanctuary.
