Location:
Old Goa, near Se Cathedral. Main Attraction: Exquisite architecture.
How to Reach: Local Transport within Panaji.
The vast and stunning Church of St. Cajetan is located about half a kilometer away to the north east of the Se Cathedral, and quite near the ruins of the Viceregal Palace. The Church of St. Cajetan was originally known as Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence. This church, which has been modeled on the primary design of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, is architecturally Corinthian both externally and internally. The golden altars with exquisite carvings are in delicate Baroque style. The Church building itself is built of laterite blocks and is plastered with lime.
The Italian friars built the convent and church of St. Cajetan. Although the church altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence, the church is named after the founder of the Theatine order, St. Cajetan who was a contemporary of St. Francis Xavier. The church is a fine example of splendid architectural forms. It attracts lots of tourists from all over the world.
On entering the Church one finds three altars on the left, dedicated to the Holy family of Our Lady of Piety and St. Clare. To the right, the altars of St. John, St. Cajetan and St. Agnes are situated. The largest of the altars on the right hand side of the church is dedicated to St Cajetan. There is an adorned wooden pulpit emerging from one of the piers. The existence of a well has led to the speculation that the site was once the location of a Hindu temple.
