St Augustine Tower
The sole remaining 46m-high tower of a grand 17th-century church complex in Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
St Augustine Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The sole remaining 46m-high tower of a grand 17th-century church complex in Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"A haunting yet majestic ruin, the St. Augustine Tower tells the story of Goa's colonial and religious history."
🚶♂️ Explore Old Goa's History
Don't just see the tower; explore the surrounding ruins and other monuments in Old Goa for a complete historical experience.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and stunning photographs of the ancient tower.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Tower
Old Goa
The sole remaining 46m-high tower of a once-grand church complex, a testament to Goa's colonial past.
Ruins of St. Augustine Church
Old Goa
Explore the crumbling arches and weathered stones that whisper tales of a glorious 17th-century church.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Old Goa
Immerse yourself in history at this significant site, a key part of Goa's rich cultural heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Go Beyond the Tower
Best Time for Photos
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Explore Old Goa's History
Don't just see the tower; explore the surrounding ruins and other monuments in Old Goa for a complete historical experience.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and stunning photographs of the ancient tower.
📚 Gather Historical Context
Look up information online beforehand or book a guided tour to fully appreciate the site's history.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Goa can be hot and humid; carry water, especially when exploring the open ruins.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Explore Old Goa's History
Don't just see the tower; explore the surrounding ruins and other monuments in Old Goa for a complete historical experience.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and stunning photographs of the ancient tower.
📚 Gather Historical Context
Look up information online beforehand or book a guided tour to fully appreciate the site's history.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Goa can be hot and humid; carry water, especially when exploring the open ruins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the St. Augustine Tower a hauntingly beautiful historical monument, offering a glimpse into Goa's colonial past. While the tower itself is impressive, many recommend exploring the wider Old Goa complex for a richer historical experience. Some note a lack of information on-site, suggesting pre-visit research or guided tours for deeper understanding.
"St. Augustine Tower is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in Old Goa. Built in the early 17th century by Augustinian friars, it was once part of the grand Church of St. Augustine, which was among the largest churches in Goa. Today, only the majestic 46-meter-high tower remains standing, giving a glimpse of its glorious past. 🏛️✨
Though much of the church is in ruins, the site still carries a unique charm and tells the story of Goa’s colonial and religious history. Walking around the ruins feels like stepping back in time.
A great spot for history lovers, photographers, and those interested in heritage, and definitely worth visiting as part of exploring Old Goa’s ASI monuments."
Dr Parth Sachapara
"The St. Augustine Tower in Old Goa is a haunting yet majestic ruin of a once-grand church complex built in the early 17th century. It was part of the Church of St. Augustine, constructed by Augustinian friars after their arrival in Goa in 1597. The tower originally stood as a four-story belfry, and was one of the tallest structures in Goa at the time. Today, only one section of the tower remains, symbolizing the fading glory of Portuguese colonial rule. Its crumbling arches and weathered stones evoke a deep sense of history and mystery. The site is now protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site complex in Old Goa."
Normadic16
"Stopped by this place while exploring Old Goa and it was totally worth it. The tower is really tall and looks amazing, even though it’s all in ruins now. It used to be part of a huge church, and you can still feel the history around you.
Not many people were there, so it was peaceful. Great spot for some photos and to just take in the view. There’s not much info at the site, so I looked it up online later."
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What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Augustine Tower is located in Old Goa, which is easily accessible from Panaji. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Panaji to Old Goa. Many visitors combine a visit to the tower with other historical sites in the area.
Yes, local buses frequently run from Panaji to Old Goa, making it a convenient option for budget travelers. Taxis are also readily available.
Many visitors find that booking a guided walking tour, like those offered by Origins & Horizons, enhances the experience by providing historical context and interesting tidbits about the monuments.
Yes, there is usually parking available near the St. Augustine Tower and other sites in Old Goa. However, roads can be narrow and busy, so be prepared for potential traffic.
Old Goa is relatively close to Panaji, the capital of Goa, and is a popular day trip destination. It's also a short drive from some beach areas like Vilano Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the St. Augustine Tower and the surrounding ruins is generally free, as it's part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site complex. However, it's always good to check for any minor entry fees for specific areas or if there are any special exhibitions.
The site is typically open from morning until evening, allowing visitors ample time to explore. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience and safety.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended by visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the history and architecture.
While the main sites like the St. Augustine Tower are usually free to access, some individual churches or museums within the Old Goa complex might have nominal entry fees.
The site is generally accessible on holidays, but it's wise to confirm specific timings or any potential closures, especially around major festivals.
📸 📸 Photography & History
The tower is the last remaining part of the Church of St. Augustine, built in the early 17th century by Augustinian friars. It was once one of the tallest structures in Goa and symbolizes the grandeur of Portuguese colonial rule.
Absolutely! The tower's ancient architecture and the surrounding ruins offer fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours.
You'll see the impressive 46-meter tower and the remnants of the once-large church complex, including crumbling arches and weathered stones that evoke a sense of history.
Information at the site can be limited. Many visitors find it helpful to research beforehand or take a guided tour to learn more about the history.
Old Goa is home to several other significant monuments, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To keep kids interested, turn it into a treasure hunt for architectural details or a 'spot the difference' game between the various churches. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as exploring can be tiring.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
+1Aim for the golden hours – sunrise and sunset – for the most breathtaking light. The tower against a colorful sky is a classic shot. Experiment with different angles, focusing on the textures of the stone and the scale of the remaining structure. Don't forget to explore the wider Old Goa complex for more architectural shots.
+1🏛️ History Buffs & Heritage Seekers
+1Beyond the tower, delve into the stories of the other churches and convents that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Understanding the historical context of Portuguese rule, religious missions, and the eventual decline of Old Goa will enrich your visit immensely. Consider booking a guided tour to get the most in-depth historical insights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of St. Augustine Tower
+1However, the church faced decline and was eventually abandoned in 1835 due to political and religious upheavals, and subsequent damage from earthquakes and neglect. Over time, much of the church complex crumbled, leaving only the imposing tower as a poignant reminder of its former glory. Today, it is a protected monument and a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Goa, drawing visitors interested in history, architecture, and the echoes of Goa's colonial past.
Visitors often describe the experience of standing before the tower as stepping back in time. The weathered stones and crumbling arches evoke a deep sense of history and mystery, offering a tangible connection to the era of Portuguese rule. While information directly at the site can be sparse, the visual impact of the tower is profound, prompting many to seek out further knowledge about its past.
Exploring Old Goa: More Than Just a Tower
Beyond the St. Augustine Tower, you can explore other significant structures like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the imposing Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi also offers a glimpse into the religious and architectural heritage of the period.
To enhance your visit, consider joining a guided walking tour. These tours often uncover hidden stories and architectural details that might be missed otherwise. The experience of walking through these ancient sites, imagining the bustling colonial capital they once represented, is a powerful one.
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