Church Of The Holy Spirit, Goa

Church Of The Holy Spirit is a 17th-century Portuguese church in Goa and one of the oldest churches in Margao. The site initially had a shrine dedicated to a Hindu deity, Lord Damodar, which was destroyed by the Portuguese before the church was erected. It was further destroyed several times by the Muslim Army till finally the structure that currently exists was built in 1675. The monument is famous for its splendid architecture and religious significance.

History

The Holy Spirit Church was built on the site of the original Sri Damodar temple that was destroyed by the Portuguese and the deity was moved to Zambaulim. The Church of the Holy Spirit was first built in 1564 by Jesuit missionaries who arrived in India mainly from Europe. It was the first church to be ever built in Margao but was destroyed during the Muslim invasion in 1571. It was then rebuilt in 1675.

Architecture

The church is the best example of the Indian Baroque style. The exterior of the church is brilliantly whitewashed with towers on both sides and a central dome structure. The interiors are finely carved from floor to ceiling. The altars dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, St. Peter, and St. Michael are heavily ornamented. The church also has a gorgeous pipe organ. The church can be entered from the side entrance to the north. The church has huge cross dates from the late 17th century.