Church of St. John the Baptist

The Church of St. John the Baptist is a historic Catholic parish church located on Monte Hill in Benaulim, South Goa. Originally founded by Jesuits in Colva in 1581, it was relocated to its current hilltop site in 1596 due to marshy conditions. The structure features Goan-Christian architecture with a large single nave, four-tiered towers, and an early 18th-century barrel-vaulted chancel. It serves as a significant religious landmark and is associated with the feast of Sao Joao celebrated annually on June 24.

Visitors can expect to see a 16th-century Portuguese-era church situated on a hill with views of the surrounding area. The interior features a large single nave, rococo elements, low domes, and a main altar with plain paneling and cornice gallery design. The site includes adjacent parish buildings connected by a gallery and a modern cemetery in the valley below. Visitors may attend mass or view the architecture during general opening hours, though access may be restricted outside service times.

The church was originally built by Jesuits in Colva in 1581 and moved to its present location in 1596 due to flood-prone conditions. Major renovations in the early 18th century introduced the barrel-vaulted chancel and Margao-type façade with four-tiered towers. Saint Joseph Vaz, born in Benaulim, was baptised in this church. The Feast of Sao Joao has been celebrated here for over 175 years.

The church is central to the annual Feast of St. John (Sao Joao) on June 24, where young men wear crowns of leaves and fruits and jump into wells to commemorate St. John's movement in his mother's womb. It served as the parish church for Benaulim, Colva, and Seraulim historically. The site remains an active place of worship with masses conducted in Konkani and English.