St. Cajetan’s Church

About Saint Cajetan’s Church Goa

One of the most beautiful churches in Goa, St Cajetan’s Church is situated in Old Goa. It was built to have architectural similarities with the famous St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence and St Cajetan, the founder of the Order of monks called the Theatines and a contemporary of St. Francis Xavier. The church has quite an impressive architecture and exquisite interiors and is thus a must-visit in Goa.

History of St. Cajetan’s Church

The history of St Cajetan’s Church states that its construction began in 1655 by the Italian Monks of the Order of Theatines. The church was completed in 1661.

Architecture of St. Cajetan’s Church

The architecture of St. Cajetan’s Church is similar to the Basilica of St Peters in Rome. It also has the same hemispherical dome, however, instead of two cupolas it displays two quadrangular towers.

The facade of the church is done in Corinthian style of architecture. Statues of St. Paul, St. John the evangelist, St. Peter, and St. Matthew wrought in basalt are niched within it.

The interior has an influence of Corinthian, Baroque, Rococo and Goan style.

Major Highlights of St. Cajetan’s Church

• Statues of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. John and St. Matthew in the façade
• Hemispherical dome resembling that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
• Twin quadrangular belfry towers
• Four pillars with arches supporting the cupola
• Verse from the Gospel of Matthew inscribed around the cupola
• Beautiful carved altarpiece at the main altar
• Paintings on the walls and pillar depicting life of St. Cajetan

Visiting Time of St. Cajetan’s Church

Monday to Sunday: 9.00 am to 7.00pm

How to Reach St. Cajetan’s Church?

The St. Cajetan’s Church is situated around 12 km from Panaji via Ponte de Linhares Causeway. One can easily get a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the St. Cajetan’s Church from Panaji.