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This ancient historical former capital of Goa  is located about 9 km east of Panaji. It is a UNESCO world heritage site now and is famed for its opulent buildings and churches reminiscent of the glory days of "Golden Goa". It was abandoned by the Portuguese officially in 1843 when the capital was moved to Panjim or Panaji.

Today, most of the remaining buildings are maintained by the archeological survey of India and the Archdiocese of Goa. It is a holy site for all Goans particularly Goan Christians because it is the site where the Sacred relics of St Francis Xavier or "Goencho Saib" are preserved for posterity.

As Ela ,it used to be the capital of Goa under Adil Shah. He wanted to shift his capital from Bijapur to Ela, but the arrival of the Portuguese changed all that. Under the Portuguese the city not only became the Capital of Goa but also became famous as the "Lisbon of the East" . At one time its population was estimated to be around 200,000. The decline of Portuguese influence in trade saw the decline of the city. Soon after, repeated attacks of cholera and malaria frustrated the Portuguese authorities. The Viceroy moved out of the city in 1695 to Panelim and finally to Panjim in 1759. The capital was also moved to Panaji officially in 1843. With the departure of the Viceroy and the coincidental expulsion of the Jesuits, the population fell drastically to under a few thousand. Over the next 100 years, the buildings were allowed to fall in ruins and today only a few are in excellent shape. A description of its churches and buildings is provided in the links below along with a short biography of St Francis Xavier, Goencho Saib.

Churches of Old Goa
Se Cathedral, Old Goa
Church of St Francis of Assisi, Old Goa
Chapel of St. Catherine, Old Goa
Ruins of the Church of St Augustine, Old Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa
Church of Convent of St. Monica, Old Goa
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Old Goa
Church of St. Cajetan, Old Goa
Chapel of St. Anthony, Old Goa
Church of Our Lady of the Mount, Old Goa

Important Buildings and Monuments in Old Goa
Viceroy's Arch, Old Goa
Archeological Museum and Portrait Gallery, Old Goa

Patron Saint of Goa
St. Francis Xavier, Goencho Saib

Important nearby Wildlife Sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chorao

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Revised: April 29, 2001 .