It is the largest of the churches in Old Goa. It was built during the 16th century for the Dominicans and paid for by the royal treasury out of the proceeds of the sale of crown property. The building's style is Portuguese-Gothic with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. The tower houses a famous bell, one of the largest in Goa, often called the Golden Bell because of its rich sound. The main altar is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria and the paintings on either side of it, depicts scenes from her life and martyrdom.

It is the largest of the churches in Old Goa. It was built during the 16th century for the Dominicans and paid for by the royal treasury out of the proceeds of the sale of crown property. The building's style is Portuguese-Gothic with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. The tower houses a famous bell, one of the largest in Goa, often called the Golden Bell because of its rich sound. The main altar is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria and the paintings on either side of it, depicts scenes from her life and martyrdom.

It is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world as it contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint, who in 1541 was given the task of spreading Christianity among the subjects of the Portuguese colonies in the east. The remains of his body are housed in a silver casket and taken out every 10 years for public veneration. The next exposition is scheduled for November 2004. St. Francis's body was brought to Goa almost 150 years after his death. In 1946 it became the first church of India to be elevated to the status of Minor Basilica. It is the best specimen of baroque architecture in India. Apart from the richly gilded altars, the interior of the church is remarkable for its simplicity.

It is built on the lines of St. Peter's in Rome. This church was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines, who were sent by Pope Urban III to teach Christianity in the Kingdom of Golconda near Hyderabad. The friars were not permitted to work in Golconda hence the settled in Old Goa in 1640. Interesting to note are the interiors decorated in pure, unrestrained baroque and the intricately carved pulpit. Of interest is the covered well inside that indicates that the site was once perhaps a temple.

Ruins of an enormous 46m tower that served as a belfry and formed part of the façade of the church is what remains. It was constructed in 1602 by Augustinian friars. It was abandoned due to the repressive policies of the Portuguese government, resulting in the eviction of many religious orders from Goa.

It is a huge three-storey laterite building completed in 1627, only to burn down nine years later. Once known as the Royal Monastery, due to the royal patronage that it enjoyed. The building is now utilized by the Mater Dei Institute as a nunnery.