St Augustine tower

Overview

The Church of St. Augustine is a ruined church complex located in Old Goa. Originally, the church had four towers of which today only one remains. This remaining tower is a four-storied structure built of laterite and 46 m in height. Excavations show that the complex had eight chapels, four altars and a convent. It was abandoned in 1835 after the Portuguese government of Goa began evicting many religious orders in Goa under its new repressive policies. The subsequent neglect caused the vault of the church to collapse in 1842. The body collapsed soon after and by 1871, the bell was moved from the tower to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim, where it remains to date. The church is part of the World Heritage Site, Churches and convents of Goa.

Highlights

• Historical Significance: The St. Augustine Tower is one of the few remaining structures of the Church and Monastery of St. Augustine, which was built by the Augustinian friars in the 16th century. It stands as a testimony to the grandeur and architectural excellence of that era.

• Tower Height: The tower was once part of the impressive St. Augustine Church and Monastery complex, and it was considered one of the tallest Christian structures in Asia during its time. The tower's height is estimated to be around 46 meters (150 feet).

• Bell Tower: The main function of the tower was to house large bells that would ring to call the faithful for religious services and mark significant events.

• Architectural Style: The architecture of the St. Augustine Tower is predominantly Corinthian, reflecting the influence of the Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles of that period.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The St. Augustine Tower is part of the Churches and Convents of Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes several historical churches and structures in Old Goa.

• Ruins: While the tower itself still stands, the church and monastery that once surrounded it fell into decline and eventually ruins. The tower is the most prominent structure left from the complex.

• Panoramic Views: Visitors who climb to the top of the St. Augustine Tower are rewarded with panoramic views of Old Goa and its surrounding areas. It offers a unique perspective on the historical significance of the region.

• Heritage Tourism: The St. Augustine Tower is a popular destination for heritage tourists and history enthusiasts who want to explore the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Goa.

• Preservation Efforts: The tower has undergone restoration and preservation efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to safeguard its historical significance and prevent further deterioration.

• Cultural Symbol: The St. Augustine Tower stands as a symbol of Goa's colonial past and the contributions of the Augustinian friars to the region's history.

• Visiting the St. Augustine Tower provides a glimpse into Goa's glorious past and serves as a reminder of the architectural and religious legacy of the region.