Church of St Francis of Assisi

About Church of St Francis of Assisi

About Church of St Francis of Assisi

Contact Number:

Visiting Time:

The church is open on all days except on Sundays. Timings are between 7.30 in the morning to 6.30 in the evening.

Interesting Things to See and Find in Church of St Francis of Assisi:

You can see beautiful painted panels depicting the life of St. Francis of Assisi adorn the walls.

Best time to visit Church of St Francis of Assisi

November to February. Combine with all other Old Goa churches. Visit in the morning (9:00–11:00 AM) for cooler weather.

Timings & opening hours

Church: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, open all days. Archaeological Museum (in the adjoining convent): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday. Closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Entry fee & tickets

Church: free. Archaeological Museum: ₹10 for Indian adults, ₹10–25 for foreign tourists, children under 15 free. Still camera: ₹20.

Duration needed

20–30 minutes for the church, 45–60 minutes for the Archaeological Museum.

Location info

Old Goa, adjacent to the Archaeological Museum, near Se Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Safety tips

Standard precautions — watch your step on uneven stone floors in the museum. Dress modestly.

Things to carry

Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), camera (no flash inside the church), and a small bag for the museum visit.

Nearby visiting places

Se Cathedral (adjacent), Basilica of Bom Jesus (about 200 m), Church of St. Cajetan (about 400 m), Viceroy’s Arch, the Archaeological Museum (same complex), and the Museum of Christian Art.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Old Goa bus stop is within walking distance. Panaji is about 10 km. Karmali Railway Station is about 4 km.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide coverage across Goa. In beach areas and towns, 4G is generally reliable. Coverage may be weaker in remote interior locations or along certain coastal stretches. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Old Goa has a few small eateries and snack stalls near the church complex. For a proper meal, Panaji (about 10 km away) offers a wide range of restaurants, from Goan cuisine to multi-cuisine dining.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Panaji (about 10 km from Old Goa) has the widest range of accommodation, from heritage guesthouses in Fontainhas to modern hotels. Beach areas (Calangute, Candolim) are about 20–25 km away.

History of Church of St Francis of Assisi

The church and adjoining convent were built by the Franciscan order in the 16th–17th centuries — one of the oldest Franciscan establishments in Goa. The original chapel dates to 1517, built by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars. It was consecrated in 1602 and rebuilt in 1661. The Portuguese government closed the convent in 1835 after banning religious orders. In 1964, the convent was converted into an Archaeological Museum by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do at Church of St Francis of Assisi

Explore the ornate Baroque interior with gilded woodwork, frescoes, and Portuguese tombstones embedded in the floor. See the wooden idol of St. Francis and the statue of Our Lady of Miracles. Visit the Archaeological Museum’s eight galleries. View the portrait gallery of Portuguese viceroys and governors. See the model of a 16th-century Portuguese ship.

Things to visit & highlights

The ornate Baroque interior with gilded woodwork — among the finest in Old Goa. The frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. The Portuguese tombstones in the floor. The Archaeological Museum with its collection of Hindu sculptures, Portuguese artefacts, and coins. The Manueline-style black stone gate — a rare example of early Portuguese architecture in the East.

Climate & weather

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November–February) is the peak tourist season: temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C with low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas — ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer (March–May) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C; beaches are less crowded but midday heat can be intense. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and high humidity; many beach shacks close, but the landscape is lush and green, and it is the quietest time for those seeking solitude.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police (Old Goa): +91-832-2285116. Ambulance: 108.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located on the Panaji–Old Goa road, about 3–5 km from the church complex.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for the Church of St. Francis of Assisi? The church is free. The Archaeological Museum charges a nominal fee (₹10–25).

What is in the Archaeological Museum? Eight galleries with Hindu sculptures, Portuguese-era artefacts, hero stones, portraits of viceroys, old coins, and a model of a 16th-century Portuguese ship.

Is the museum open on Fridays? No — the Archaeological Museum is closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Accessibility

Most churches in Goa have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic churches listed as UNESCO sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance. Most churches welcome assistance animals.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

The white Baroque facades photograph best in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the sun is at an angle. Interiors are often dimly lit — a fast lens or higher ISO helps. Altars and stained-glass windows are the key subjects. Many churches illuminate their facades at night — evening shots of lit-up white churches against dark skies are stunning. Use a wide-angle lens for interiors, and always check the photography policy (flash is usually prohibited).

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.