Chapel of St Sebastian
Chapel | Historical Landmark
Built in 1818, this all- white chapel located at the southern end of Panjim city, features an unusual open-eyed crucifix that was originally intended to frighten people accused heretical crimes at Old Goa’s infamous Palace of the Inquisition. The chapel also hosts an annual celebration and street fair in honour of the Feast of Our Lady of Livrament in mid-November.
Church of the Immaculate Conception
Church | Historical Landmark
The church that looks over centre of Panjim from a small hillock, is said to have been in existence by 1541 that was then re-built in 1619. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated over 3 days in Margao and Panjim beginning on 8th December every year.
Fontainhas
Old Town | Historical Landmark
Panaji’s “Latin Quarter”, the oldest district of Goa that boasts numerous restored neoclassical buildings and charming cobbled-stone paths.
Goa State Musuem
State Museum
The museum offers an eclectic collection of Christian art, Hindu and Jain sculpture and bronze statues, and paintings from across India. The museum additionally exhibits an elaborately carved table used in the Goa Inquisition and an antique pair of rotary lottery machines!
Institute Menezes Braganza & Central Library
Central Library | Historical Landmark
Reminiscent of the colonial period in Goa is the Menezes Institute that also houses the Central Library, erected in the early 19th century. Famed for its traditional blue-and-white painted ceramic-tile compositions (azulejos) depicting tales from Os Lusiadas (a famous Portuguese poem of Portugal’s 15th- and 16th-century voyages of discovery) in the western entrance hall. The library still opens from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1pm and worth a visit.
Municipal Garden or Church Square
Public Park | Historical Ladmark
Municipal Garden or Church square is the beautifully maintained rectangular park that was originally built in 1541 and still comprises the heart of the city of Panjim. On the South-East is the sparkling white façade of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. A recent addition to the park is the Ashoka Pillar, India’s national symbol.
Se Cathedral
Cathedral | Historical Landmark
Construction of this cathedral began in 1562 by the King of Portugal, but, and was completed in 1652. Originally flanked by towers on each side, of which only one remains (right section collapsed in 1776).This cathedral is the largest of the churches in Goa.
Statute of Abbe de Faria
Bronze Statute | Historical Landmark
Located next to the Secretariat, this bronze statue is believed to be dedicated to the father of hypnotism.
The Kala Academy
Cultural Centre | Art Exhibitions | Cultural Events
Panaji’s cultural centre that hosts numerous art exhibitions and cultural events
The Pilar Monastery
Monastery | Historical Landmark
The monastery was a principal religious and educational centre of Christian Missionaries. The monestary, perched atop a hillock and offering panoramic views of Mormugao Harbour, the Zuari river and the picturesque countryside, comprises the Church, Seminary and School.
The Public Observatory
Public Observatory | Association of Friends of Astronomy
The Public Observatory boasts five telescopes and is, located on the terrace of Junta House, home to city’s Association of Friends of Astronomy and also a small wildlife conservation gallery.
The Secretariat
Historical Landmark | State Secretariat
Formally known as Idalcao Palace, built during the 14th century by Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur, the last Indian ruler in Goa. Now, it is the oldest surviving building in Panaji and houses the secretariat.
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