Church of St. Augustine Ruins: A Glimpse into Goa's Past

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Explore the haunting ruins of St. Augustine Church in Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover its fascinating history and architectural grandeur.

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St. Augustine Tower

The ruins of the Church of St. Augustine in Old Goa stand as a poignant reminder of the city's rich religious history. Built in the early 17th century by Augustinian friars, the church was once one of the largest in Goa, but was abandoned in 1835 and fell into disrepair. Today, only a portion of the 46-meter tower remains, offering a glimpse into the grandeur that once was.

A brief summary to St. Augustine Tower

Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Old Goa, Goa, 403402, IN
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven and there is a fair amount of walking involved.
Visit during the cooler months (November to February) for a more pleasant experience.
Combine your visit with other historical sites in Old Goa, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral.
Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the ruins.
Carry water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade available.

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Basilica of Bom Jesus

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Getting There

Walking

From the Basilica of Bom Jesus, walk approximately 500 meters west. The ruins are located on top of the Monte Santo (Holy Hill). The walk is relatively easy and takes about 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport

From Panaji KTC Bus Stand, take a bus towards Old Goa. Get off at the Old Goa bus stand. From there, you can either walk (approximately 15-20 minutes) or hire a taxi/auto-rickshaw to reach the Church of St. Augustine ruins. Bus fare is approximately ₹10-₹20.
Taxi/Ride-share

Hire a taxi or ride-share from Panaji or nearby towns. The ride to the Church of St. Augustine ruins takes approximately 20-30 minutes from Panaji. Expect to pay around ₹300-₹500 for a one-way trip.

Discover more about St. Augustine Tower

The Church of St. Augustine, located in Old Goa, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant historical landmark. Constructed between 1597 and 1602 by Augustinian friars, the church was dedicated to Our Lady of Grace and quickly became one of the most prominent religious structures in the Iberian world. The complex originally included four towers, eight chapels, four altars, a convent, and a college, making it one of the largest churches in Goa at the time. However, the church's prosperity was short-lived. In 1835, the Portuguese government expelled the Augustinian order from Goa, leading to the church's abandonment. Neglect and the elements took their toll, and in 1842, the main vault collapsed. Over the years, the structure continued to deteriorate, with the facade and half the tower collapsing in 1931, followed by further sections in 1938. Today, only half of the main tower remains, a solitary reminder of the church's former glory. Despite being in ruins, the site is still a fascinating place to visit. Visitors can see ledger stones, inscribed stone slabs, and ornate inscriptions on the crumbling walls. Recent archaeological excavations have also led to the discovery of relics of St. Ketevan, a Georgian queen who was martyred in the 17th century. The bell that once resided in the tower has been moved to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji. Exploring the ruins offers a unique glimpse into Goa's rich religious and colonial past.