Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine

Velha Goa · Old Goa · Goa · India

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About Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine

The Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine are a historic church complex in Old Goa, completed in 1602 by Augustinian friars. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Churches and Convents of Goa, only one four-story laterite tower remains after centuries of abandonment and structural collapse. The site is archaeologically significant for the discovery of relics believed to belong to Queen Ketevan of Georgia.

Visitors guide

Visitors can explore the ruins of a massive 17th-century church complex where only a 46-meter high belfry tower still stands. The site features exposed foundations, remnants of chapels, and open nave areas overgrown with vegetation. Informational signage details the history of the Augustinian order and the archaeological discovery of Queen Ketevan's relics. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective, offering insight into Portuguese colonial religious architecture and its decay.

Key highlights

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UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986
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Only surviving four-story laterite bell tower standing 46 meters high
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Archaeological discovery of relics attributed to Queen Ketevan of Georgia
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Remnants of eight chapels, four altars, and convent structures
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Original church completed in 1602 by Augustinian friars

History of Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine

Built between 1597 and 1602 by Augustinian friars, it was once among the largest churches in Asia. Abandoned in 1835 due to repressive Portuguese policies, the vault collapsed in 1842 and further deterioration left only one tower by 1938. Excavations in 2005 yielded bone fragments identified through DNA testing as likely belonging to Queen Ketevan of Georgia, martyred in 1624.

Culture & Context

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Churches and Convents of Goa' illustrating the spread of Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque art in Asia. The site hosts the annual Ketevan World Sacred Music Festival since 2015 and symbolizes Indo-Portuguese cultural fusion and Christian missionary history in Asia.

Route

By air

Keep exploring nearby

Discover more nearby attractions and build a fuller day around this stop.

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Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Old Goa, India. Built between 1594 and 1605, it is India's first minor basilica and a premier example of Baroque architecture. The church houses the incorrupt relics of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket within a Florentine mausoleum. It remains an active pilgrimage center and a significant historical monument of Portuguese colonial heritage in Asia.

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Church of St. Francis of Assisi

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a 17th-century heritage church located in Old Goa, Goa. Originally established as a chapel by Franciscan friars in 1517 and rebuilt in 1661, it features a unique blend of Manueline, Tuscan, and Baroque architectural styles. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Churches and Convents of Goa'. The adjoining convent now houses an Archaeological Survey of India museum displaying pre-Portuguese sculptures and colonial portraits.

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Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount is a 16th-century Roman Catholic heritage church located on Monte Santo hill in Old Goa, Goa. Built between 1510 and 1519 by Afonso de Albuquerque to commemorate his victory over Adil Shah, it is one of the oldest surviving churches in the city. The chapel features Baroque architecture with Mannerist influences and offers panoramic views of the Mandovi River and Divar Island. It was restored in 2001 by Fundação Oriente and hosts the annual Monte Music Festival.

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By train	Nearest major station is Thivim Railway Station

By road	Located on Holy Hill in Old Goa, accessible via NH-66 and local roads from Panjim

By public transport	Local buses and taxis available from Panjim to Old Goa

Nearest airport	Dabolim Airport

Nearest railway station	Thivim Railway Station

Need to know

01Things to know before you go	Only one of the original four towers remains standing The original bell was moved to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim Relics of Queen Ketevan were discovered during ASI excavations in 2005 Site featured in Bollywood films including Gumnaam (1965) and Singham
02Rules & restrictions	Climbing on fragile ruins is prohibited Respect archaeological site preservation guidelines
03Safety information	Exercise caution on uneven and crumbling surfaces Stay within designated visitor pathways

Facilities listed

Reported facilities to help you plan your visit.

Information boards