In 1639, three Theatine priests from Italy arrived in India to teach Christianity. They started building a hospital in 1643 but were expelled by Portuguese viceroy Filipe Mascarenhas. However, the Italian priests' leader, Pedro Avitabili, traveled to Portugal and persuaded King John IV of Portugal that cooperating with the Portuguese priests in Goa would be beneficial to Christianity.

In 1650, the monarch permitted the hospital to be built, and in 1655, they were able to get permission for the church and a tiny convent to be built nearby. Carlo Ferrarini and Francesco Maria Milazzo, two Italian architects, oversaw the construction of the church.

In 1665, Italian monks of the Order of Theatines built this church. It's topped with a massive hemispheric dome modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It does, however, have two quadrangular towers instead of two cupolas.

Internally and outwardly, it is built in the Corinthian style, with mosaics in the internal structure and Baroque features in the plated altars. The church includes one major altar dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence, with angelic figures dominating the twisted shafts on the remaining six altars.

The left and right sides each have three altars, which are made of laterite blocks that have been lime plastered. Scenes from the life of St. Cajetan are painted on the altars' canvas, adding to the location's beauty and richness.

Have a look at the Interior and Art of the Church of St. Cajetan Goa

The beautifully carved and gilded work in this church's interior, while still Corinthian, reveals Baroque, Rococo, and Goan influences. The church is divided into a nave and six vaulted lateral chapels by eight columns. One must surely take a proper tour of it.

See the Convent of St. Cajetan

The convent, despite being built on a considerably smaller scale than the cathedral, is a formidable structure. Sixteen Theatines were forced to leave when it closed in 1835. When the Governors of Goa visited Old Goa for religious functions, it was utilized as a house for them. Later, along with the 'Museu da India Portuguesa,' a gallery of portraits of Viceroys and Governors was moved here.

Check out the other nearby attractions

There are numerous churches in Goa. You can visit the nearest one to this Church. Further, you can also plan to explore more parts of Goa by visiting beaches and other places.

• Wear Modest dress as it is a religious place.
• Learn about the St Cajetan Church Goa timings.
• Let your kids keep quiet at times of prayer. Make sure you silence your phone too.
• Reach at the prayer timings as this will let you learn so many things.
• Make sure you are well aware of the Church of St Cajetan Goa address.

Except during the warmer months, Goa has a lovely climate all year. Summers run from March through June and are scorching hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C. Typically, tourist traffic is low throughout these months. The winter months, which begin in November and extend through February, are the best time to visit the city.

• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• St. Augustine Tower
• Immaculate Conception Church
• Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Tourist Hut

• The basilica of St Peter in Rome is supposed to have inspired the construction of the church.
• The only remaining domed church in Goa is the Church of St. Cajetan.
• The hemispherical dome of the church resembles St. Peter's Basilica in Dome