Church of the Holy Spirit

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a historic Roman Catholic church located in Borda, Margao, Goa. Originally founded by Jesuits in 1564, the present Baroque structure was completed in 1675 after multiple reconstructions due to raids and fires. It is considered one of the oldest and most significant churches in the Salcete region, featuring distinctive Indo-Portuguese architecture with semicircular shell niches. The church stands within the Largo da Igreja square surrounded by Portuguese-era mansions.

Visitors can expect to see a white-washed Baroque façade with twin bell towers and ornate interiors featuring carved altars, vaulted ceilings, and antique religious art. The church is situated on a small hillock within the historic Largo da Igreja square lined with traditional Portuguese mansions. Daily mass services are held in Konkani and English. The site functions primarily as an active place of worship rather than a museum, so access may be limited during service times.

Founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1564-65 as the second church in Salcete, it was destroyed by fire during Bijapuri raids in 1571 and again in 1579. Rebuilt between 1585-95 and enlarged in 1604, the current structure was thoroughly rebuilt between 1645 and 1675. Until the late 18th century, the church floor served as a burial ground where rose water and fragrant leaves were used to mask odors. Historically associated with Colegio do Espirito Santo college and Hospital do Padre Paulo Camerte.

Considered one of the most affluent churches in Salcete with an extensive collection of rare antique church art. Margao produced over 450 diocesan priests and five bishops, the highest contribution in Goa. The annual feast celebrated in late May or early June features week-long outdoor festivities and serves as a gathering for Goans to shop for spices and dry fish before monsoon. The church remains an active parish offering daily masses in Konkani and Sunday services in English.