Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in Panaji

A trip to Panaji cannot be complete without understanding its rich heritage. The art and cultural activities in Panaji will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in Panaji would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know Panaji better. Include these in attractions in your itinerary for Panaji and have a great vacation.

Check the list of top places for art and culture in Panaji:

  1. Aguada Fort

    4.2 (15714 Votes)
    Aguada Fort

    Light House, Architecture , Fort

    Even though only parts of this fort remain it is still very beautiful and definitely worth a visit. Built by the Portugese and the Marathas the fort is a wonderful amalgamation of the two cultures. This is very apparent in its architecture. The primary purpose of the fort was to keep prisoners and to provide freshwater to the sailors. The cells of the prison were designed in such a way that ver...Read more
  2. Basilica Of Bom Jesus

    4.5 (9852 Votes)
    Basilica Of Bom Jesus

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Basilica of Bom Jesus or Borea Jezuchi Bajilika is a very well-known Church in Goa. It is a beautiful Basilica and is known for its simplicity and elegance. The architecture is of baroque style and it this type of design is rarely seen in a country like India. It is famous for the glass case which holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier and there are many interesting stories about the remai...Read more
  3. Our Lady Of The Immaculate Conception Church

    Church, Religious Site

    There used to be a chapel here in the 16th century, which sailors would visit after landing before the went further inland. Eventually they built this regal Baroque church to replace the chapel. It was completed in 1609, a bright white Portuguese building. Check out the zig-zagging stairways, added in the 18th century. Also, the bell in the belfry is the largest in Goa! Inside are three altars,...Read more
  4. Shanta Durga Temple

    4.6 (2182 Votes)
    Shanta Durga Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    Shantadurga is the form the goddess Parvati took to mediate a violent quarrel between Vishnu and Shiva. This strikingly beautiful temple is dedicated to her. It was built in the reign of Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shahu of Satara in about 1738 A.D. Nestled into the foot of a lushly green hill, the temple's architecture fuses Indian and Portuguese styles. For example, it has shikaras on the roof ...Read more
  5. Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi

    Church, Religious Site, Architecture

    The structure you see here today was erected on 1661, though there has been a church on this location since 1521. Its architecture is a mixture of Corinthian, Baroque and Tucson. Note the two towers. Inside, note the two large statues - one of St. Francis of Assisi and the other of Christ. The artwork around the church's interior depicts and describes scenes from the saint's life. See the beaut...Read more
  6. St. Cajetan's Church

    4.5 (1200 Votes)
    St. Cajetan's Church

    Church, Religious Site

    Of all the churches of Old Goa, this one is by the reckoning of many the most exquisite. Built in 1661, the architecture is Corinthian, lime-plastered laterite blocks, with two towers for the belfry. Intricate floral designs decorate the walls. But the most striking sight inside would be the lovely and ornate wooden altar Our Lady of Divine Providence. There are six other altars too, with paint...Read more
  7. Shree Mahalaxmi Prasanna

    4.6 (340 Votes)
    Shree Mahalaxmi Prasanna

    Religious Site, Temple

    The portuguese were in Goa for 300 years before they would allow the construction of a Hindu temple in 1818. They dedicated to the goddess of wealth. This temple has only one other real claim to fame. In the 16th century, after the Portuguese invaded, the idol of this deity was transported and hidden secretly in various places. Today the temple is popular with the locals during festivals such a...Read more
  8. Chapel Of Our Lady Of The Mount

    Church, Religious Site

    Afonso de Albuquerque himself built this church in 1519. Like other churches in Goa, it is made from laterite plastered with lime mortar, and it is white. What you're really here to see is the view. The church on top of a secluded hill that looks over sweeping views of Old Goa, Divar, Chorao islands and the Mandovi River. Inside, the church has three altars. They are dedicated to Our Lady of th...Read more
  9. Church Square

    Art Gallery, Restaurant, Square

    Located in front of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim, the Church Square has art galleries, eateries and a number of shops that sell everything from clothes to accessories. You will also find many hotels here preferred over the busy hotels in Baga. The nearby Mondovi river has a pleasant waterfront where you can walk. The circle is decorated during Christmas and New Years Eve in grande...Read more
  10. Candolim Church

    4.5 (10094 Votes)
    Candolim Church

    Church, Religious Site

    Our Lady of Hope Church which is also known as Candolim church is a well known at simple yet elegant church in Goa.  The church building has a serene while colour and a beautiful ol timey look to it. This church is lesser known and hence definitely a place you should try to check out. The candolim beach which is near by is also one of the longest beaches in goa and is hence fairly poplular...Read more
  11. Cansaulim Church

    4.5 (5692 Votes)
    Cansaulim Church Image
    ©

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site

    Canasaulim Church is an old Church not far inland from Canasaulim beach. This old church is a wonderful historic building as it was built in the 1500s and then renovated in the 1600s. This pretty church which is painted whilte is a beautiful reminder of the past. There is also a school constructed nearby which is named after St. Thomas who was closely associated with the church. There is also a...Read more
  12. Panaji State Central Library

    Library

    The Panaji State Central Library is home to varied books that cover everything from history, literature to science and is a ‘must-visit’ for book lovers. The architecture of the place is beautiful with art accents added throughout the premises. The library is spread across 6 floors and caters to people of all ages. The 4th floor is a rare gem with a fine collection of rare books tha...Read more
  13. Bishop's Palace

    4.5 (29 Votes)
    Bishop's Palace

    Palace, Architecture

    Built in the late 19th century, the Bishop's Palace is loved for its simple yet regal architecture. The Palace is located in Altinho on a hillock that overlooks Panjim and is a major tourist attraction. Highlights include: The Coat of arms at the entrance which belonged to Goa’s first patriarch- Dom Antonio Sebastio Valente. Christmas eve sees the Palace at its best when the whole place...Read more
  14. Church And Monastery Of St Augustine

    Church, Religious Site, Ancient Ruin, Monastery

    The Church and Monastery of St. Augustine is an old ruin in Goa. But it truly is the most magnificent ruin there ever was. This place used to be an imposing and beautiful looking church but now all that remains is a few stone walls and other vestiges. Even though the ruins one can make out a rough outline of a massive church that used to be. One can unfortunately only imagine the splendor and b...Read more
  15. Naguesh Temple

    4.7 (3538 Votes)
    Naguesh Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Naugesh Temple about 25 kilometers from Panaji is the most important religious place for Hindus in Goa. The temple is dedicated to the Goan God “Naugesh” or “Naugeshi”. There is a beautiful stone tablet at the entrance which dates back to 1413 AD. Another fascinating thing about the temple is The sanctuary which has an old tali (water store) flanked by palms. Inside ...Read more