Architecture in goa
Jesuit Architecture in Goa
We name a few Jesuit footprints in the sands of time - traces indicating how in their time Jesuits loved and served in all things. We review the places in Goa where Jesuits mainly laboured before their expulsion by Pombal in 1760.College of St. Paul, Old Goa On the road from Old Goa to Ponda after a brief run from the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, there rises on the left side among a cluster of trees what has the appearance of a massive arch in stone. This is all that remains of the large complex of buildings that was the Old College of St. Paul's, the first house of the Jesuits in Goa. What started as the seminary of the Holy Faith for the formation of young lads from India, Africa and the east so that they could later carry to their own respective people, was entrusted in 1543 for direction to St. Francis Xavier and to the Society. What we see now is the facade of the Church of the college; In its time it was considered the largest in India. Beside elementary instruction, higher education in Music, Latin, Arts and sciences was also imparted, capped with lectures in Philosophy and theology. Even the degree of Master of Arts and the Doctorate were conferred, so that some do not hesitate to call it "Universidade de Goa", and the "Sorbonne of the East". It could compare with the colleges of Europe.
The Jesuits had to be quite shrewd in their efforts to implement this new project for the Senate, the Santa Cassa da Misericordiaa and the Franciscans strongly opposed that they should build on what was then a spacious square called Terreiro dos Gallos. However on the night preceding the day on which they were to be legally restrained from building the site, two fathers and one brother converted a small house into a temporary church and on its door inscribed the word 'JESUS'. Early next morning the door was thrown open and a bell rang. The neighbors were surprised to see a priest ready to celebrate mass. The opponents were never able to dislodge the occupants.
The entire building was completed in 1589 under the able supervision of Br. Domingos Fernandes. Some of its lengthy corridors and spacious apartments were destroyed by the ravages of time and by the raging flames of great fires in 1663 and again in 1783. One more storey on the top was demolished between 1886 and 1887.
Church Architecture
Built of laterite and lime plaster, most convents and cathedrals exemplify late Renaissance – early Baroque, Manueline or Gothic styles. The detailed ornamentation within the walls adds to the beauty of these structures. These convents also demonstrate the evangelization of Asia with the spread of missions influencing the architecture within the shrines. Most of the popular churches are listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and evokes great interest amongst tourists for their architectural beauty and history. Most of these churches are located in old Goa and are open throughout the year.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most popular holy shrine. Every year tourists throng to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which enshrines the tomb of the Jesuit missionary, Saint Francis Xavier. The Saint arrived in Goa in 1542 and was canonized in 1622. His mortal remains have been preserved till date within the church complex. An annual event, the third day of December is hosted as the day of the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier. The Saint’s finger is exhibited to the public on this day. The body of Saint Francis Xavier is showcased publicly once every ten years, the last was in 2004. The other prominent holy sites are the Se’ Cathedral, the Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, the Chapel of St. Catherine, the Church of our Lady of Rosary and the Church of St. Augustine.
Each of the convent or cathedral is unique yet follows design basics of one of the architectural styles. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is considered an architectural masterpiece with its explicit design and style. The Se’ Cathedral boasts of Tuscan exteriors. The Corinthian columns with its elevated platform and steps that lead to the entrance and cask vault spells of Renaissance influence within its architecture. The paintings within the churches have been set on wooden borders and between floral designed panels. Most churches have the statutes of Saints, Mother Mary and Jesus adorning the altars as wood carvings which have been painted upon as was the trend.
