The Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi

In 1517, when eight Portuguese friars landed in Goa, they set up the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi and an adjacent convent for them to reside to the west of Se Cathedral, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Four years later, the chapel was converted into a full-fledged church and consecrated in 1602. The building was then reconstructed in its present form, with Baroque interiors, in 1661. St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, is also the patron saint of animals and the natural environment. On the day of his feast (4th October every year), ceremonies are held to bless animals. In 1964, ASI converted the convent building adjacent to the church into an Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery. Among the other artefacts and sculptures, this museum holds a tall statue of the Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque, who was responsible for the conquest of Goa from its erstwhile Muslim ruler. The museum offers free entry to children below the age of 15. Depending on your interest, it may take you anywhere between 20 minutes to 2 hours to explore the museum.

Tip: ASI recognizes that sometimes children are dragged into museums against their wishes. Hence they have a unique children's activity centre, where kids may sketch or paint and submit their creations before leaving. For their contribution, the museum sends them a certificate by post.