St. Augustine Tower

The governments has restored this tower and chruch. Only walls and portion of chapel, you will find. But the tower is majestic. The place is greenish and well maintained.

One may call it’s a ruins of a church, but I call it a old church with a high tower on a hill. Still gives you peace and silence which one can expect from a church. It’s has a very big place of structures, few movies shot here. Drones flying not allowed here keep it in mind. No entry ticket.

The St. Augustine Tower is a ruined bell tower located in Old Goa, India. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Goa.

The St. Augustine Tower is a must-see for anyone visiting Goa. It is a beautiful and historic landmark that offers visitors a glimpse of Goa's rich past.

The tower is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.

The tower can get crowded during peak hours, so it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

P.S- Gumnaam (1970) movie song shooting was done here.

The church and it's tower were built on top of the Monte Santo (Holy Hill), between 1597 and 1602 by Augustinian friars.
The church was abandoned in 1835 after the Portuguese government of Goa began evicting many religious orders in Goa under its new repressive policies. The subsequent neglect caused the vault of the church to collapse in 1842.

St. Augustine Church in Old Goa is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers. Stepping into this majestic church feels like stepping back in time. The ruins of the church stand tall, providing a glimpse into the glorious past of the Portuguese colonial era. The intricate stone carvings and ornate facades are a testament to the craftsmanship of that era. As a tourist, exploring the remnants of this once-grand structure evokes a sense of awe and wonder. The serene ambiance and peaceful surroundings add to the overall charm of the place. While the church may be in ruins, its historical significance and the stories it holds make it a must-visit destination in Old Goa.

Only a tiny part of the church is remaining. Still, a nice place to visit. It is also just behind the Basilica of Bom Jesus area.

Church of St. Augustine is a ruined church complex located in Old Goa. The church was completed in 1602 and is part of the World Heritage Site, Churches and convents of Goa.
The church had four towers of which only one remains. The remaining tower is a four-storied structure built of laterite and 46 m in height. Excavations show that the complex had eight chapels, four altars and a convent.
In the late 1980s, archaeologists from the Soviet Union and Georgia began efforts to trace the relics of Ketevan the Martyr, a Georgian queen who had delivered herself as a hostage to Shah Abbas I and was martyred on 13 September 1624 for refusing to deny her faith; the relics were believed to be in Goa. A Georgian team conducted excavations in the church, which were followed by independent efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India. The missions were looking for a black box which was supposed to contain the saint's bones, based on information collected by Professor António da Silva Rego in 1958 from Portuguese historical documents about their missions in the East.
A 2005 excavation project by the ASI, yielded bone fragments. The samples were tested at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology to conduct DNA studies. The studies showed the presence of the U1b Human mitochondrial DNA haplogroup in the bones, which is absent in India, besides revealing that it belonged to a woman. Based on these findings and the historical material available, it was concluded that the bones most likely belonged to the Queen

Till today, this beautiful price of structure is still standing tall despite all odd. It's a must visit for all those who admire ancient history.

A beautiful ruin with all the ancient stories alive. The rooms for parish hall , convent etc everything is present. The excavation was really detailed. The maintenance is also too good as all the remaining parts are really clean and clear. This is one of the oldest church and compound in whole india. The area is also very beautiful. Must visit. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Nestled in the historic city of Old Goa, St. Augustine Church stands as a timeless testament to the rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual significance of Goa. This magnificent church, despite its dilapidated state, continues to captivate visitors with its imposing ruins, intricate architecture, and a poignant reminder of Goa's colonial past.

Stepping foot into St. Augustine Church is akin to stepping back in time. The weathered stone walls, crumbling arches, and towering belfry evoke a sense of grandeur and solemnity. Once a towering edifice, today only the majestic façade and the ornate bell tower remain, but their haunting beauty is awe-inspiring.

The intricate detailing of the architecture showcases a blend of Gothic and Corinthian influences, a testament to the mastery of the artisans who crafted it. Despite the ravages of time, the remaining sculptures and carvings offer a glimpse into the skill and devotion of those who created them.

For history enthusiasts, St. Augustine Church offers a captivating narrative of the rise and fall of the Portuguese empire. It was built in 1602 by the Augustinian friars and served as a prominent center of Catholicism for nearly two centuries. The echoes of prayers and chants that once filled the halls can still be felt, enveloping visitors in an aura of spirituality.

While the church's current condition may seem forlorn, efforts are being made to preserve and restore its glory. Visitors can witness ongoing restoration work, which serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage.

St. Augustine Church is not just a place for history buffs; it is a pilgrimage for those seeking solace and spiritual reflection. The tranquil atmosphere within its ruins provides a perfect setting for quiet contemplation and introspection.

Despite its partial ruins, St. Augustine Church remains a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Goa. It carries the weight of centuries of history, exudes an undeniable charm, and leaves an indelible impression on all who witness its splendor. St. Augustine Church stands as a living testament to Goa's vibrant past, an ode to its enduring cultural legacy, and a symbol of resilience against the passage of time

During my recent trip to Goa, I had the pleasure of visiting the Church of St. Augustine, and it was a captivating experience that transported me back in time. This magnificent ruin stands as a testament to Goa's rich colonial history and serves as a reminder of the region's cultural and architectural heritage.

Located on a hill in Old Goa, the Church of St. Augustine was once a grand complex and one of the largest churches in Goa. Built by Augustinian friars in 1602, it served as a place of worship for over 200 years before being abandoned due to neglect and natural decay. What remains today are the imposing stone ruins that retain an air of grandeur and evoke a sense of mystery.

As I approached the church, I couldn't help but admire its towering façade and intricate architectural details. The remnants of its ornate Corinthian columns and decorative motifs hinted at its former glory, while the exposed stone walls showcased the craftsmanship of the past. It was a poignant sight that allowed me to imagine the church's former splendor.

In conclusion, the Church of St. Augustine in Goa is a remarkable destination that captivates with its historical significance and architectural allure. It offers a glimpse into Goa's past and serves as a reminder of the region's cultural diversity. A visit to this enchanting ruin is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for Goa's vibrant heritage.

It was one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian world. It was abandoned and later collapsed. We can find the ruins of the old church here. Also the bell of the Church later moved to the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
This place was also used in many Bollywood songs.

A very beautiful tower and good for photography.

Ruined 4-storey, 46m high tower. Best to visit in the morning and click some good snaps. Some shops nearby to buy a souvenir but expensive.
Car Parking is to be done on the roadside but manageable.

Basilica of Bom Jesus is under maintenance and closed for now.

This 46 meter high colossal 4 storeys tower was meant to serve as a Belfry and formed a facade of the church of St. Augustin which was facing west.There were 8 richly adorned chapels and 4 altars, and a convent either numerous cells and artistic columns attached to the church.
The tower and church were built in 1602 AD by the Augustinian friars who arrived in Goa in 1587AD. The building fell into neglect resulting in the collapse of the vault in 1842. The facade and half of the tower fell in 1931 and some more parts of it collapsed in 1938.

St. Augustine Tower in Goa is a must-see for any traveler visiting the area. The tower, which dates back to the 16th century, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the sea and nearby churches. The climb to the top is a bit of a workout, but the views from the top are well worth it. The tower is also a great spot for photography, both during the day and at sunset. The staff were also very helpful and friendly. Overall, St. Augustine Tower is a great place to visit if you're looking to take in some of Goa's rich history and beautiful scenery.

Towering above the landscape this 46m high Church must have been a engineering marvel. The detail in the architecture can still be seen highlighting the craftsmanship. One key feature I loved was the tomb markings so bring your Latin translator and relish in the history. A must see for any trip to Goa!

The beautiful ruins of a church built in 1572!
Recommended visit for all coming to Old Goa.
It undoubtedly is an insta worthy spot.
But try to indulge into the past by just viewing this spectacle.

No..this is not just a ruined church complex or a dilapidated old church tower...no my dear, St. Augustine Tower/ St. Augustine Church/ St. Augustine Church Tower Complex is much, much more than that...this is the history, the culture and proud heritage of Velha Goa. The Church of Our Lady Of Grace, popularly known as St. Augustine Church is a Augustinian Church built within 1597 to 1602 by Augustinian frairs and considered one of the famous three Augustinian Church. Abandoned in 1835 by the Portuguese Governor's decree and later in 1931 and then 1938's structural collapse, this vast church with its huge eight pillers, many prayer- halls, convent, library and massive socio- cultural heritage is now a skeleton of the by- gone days. Only half a tower and some ruins remain...the rest is history. But what little we have...just indescribable👍.

These are well maintained ruins if an ancient church.. The architecture of the stronghold and detailing done is still really intricate. A good place to visit and learn about history and admire it

One of the few amazing places to visit in Goa. This Church is mostly destroyed and it does make us experience the 16th century art work.
This place was not crowded when we visited (visited on a weekday). Great place to click nice photos.
This place is kept clean and tidy so requesting people who visit this place to keep that in mind and strictly avoid littering.