St Alex Church

Find Inner Peace & Love At The St. Alex Church

Nestled in Calangute, away from the city’s hustle & bustle, the Church of St. Alex is a beautiful white Catholic church set in the tropical paradise of Goa. Surrounded by hills, this unique architectural gem is one of the oldest churches in the region, built as a place for prayer and spiritual connection.

With its magnificent architecture, intricate interiors, & serene environment, this landmark draws travelers from all over the world. It’s the perfect spot to find peace & solace, especially when you need a break from the crowded beaches. The church, located beside Angoddi Tollem Lake, offers a breathtaking backdrop that enhances your visit.

Curious about the current status of tourism in Goa? It’s open for all! Domestic travelers must be fully vaccinated or present an RT-PCR report, while international travelers are required to complete the Air Suvidha form. For more information, feel free to reach out to us today! 

Want to know the current status of tourism in Goa? Well, it’s open for all. While domestic travelers need to either be fully vaccinated or carry an RT-PCR report, international travelers need to fill out the Air Suvidha form. For further information, get in touch with us today!

The St. Alex Church History

St. Alex Church is one of the oldest churches in Goa, originally built in 1597 by St. Francis. It is dedicated to St. Alex, a soldier in the Roman army who was martyred for his faith. The church features paintings on its walls that depict St. Alex’s struggles with his family regarding his beliefs.

This stunning church served as a place of worship for Portuguese colonists & was a hub for religious & cultural activities. During epidemics, it was even transformed into a hospital. The paintings that illustrate the crucifixion of St. Alex are still on display in the church today.

People from all faiths & backgrounds gather at St. Alex Church to celebrate significant religious occasions like Christmas, Good Friday, & Easter. Unlike other churches, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, known for their intricate designs, the simplicity of St. Alex Church adds to its charm & significance.

The Architecture Of St. Alex Church

The architecture of St. Alex Church showcases a harmonious blend of Portuguese & Indian styles, featuring an octagonal layout typical of the Indo-Portuguese era. Built between 1641 & 1644 by the Jesuits, this church replaced an older structure that had been erected during the reign of King Joao II. It is dedicated to Saint Alexius I of Constantinople.

As you approach the church, you’ll notice its two prominent towers at the entrance, known as “Torres de Santa Cruz.” Inside, there are three bells: a large one for the main mass, a smaller one for vespers, & another for matins.

The church’s design is simple, with an arched roof made of laterite stone. One of its standout features is a unique statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, positioned atop the spire & facing westward toward the Arabian Sea. The interior is adorned with paintings that illustrate scenes from the Bible, including Saint Alex’s struggle to uphold his faith against pressure from family & fellow soldiers to abandon Christianity. These artworks also depict the crucifixion of Saint Alex.

Visitors will find sculptures carved in bas-relief, featuring angels holding urns. Located near the renowned Miramar Beach, this historic architectural gem is a must-visit for anyone exploring Goa.

Essential Information

How To Reach St. Alex Church Goa

From Panaji

Goa has approximately 15 bus stands, with the Mapusa Bus Stand & Margao City Bus Stand being the closest to St. Alex Church. Traveling by car from Panaji to the church takes about 31 minutes over a distance of 1.7 km. The most recommended option is to catch a bus from the Panaji bus stand, which typically costs between INR 40 and INR 60 for a one-way trip. For a quicker journey, a taxi is the best choice, with fares ranging from INR 350 to INR 410.

From Goa International Airport

St. Alex Church is located 39.3 km from Goa International Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes by car or taxi. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, taking a bus is the cheapest choice, though it may take around 2 hours. However, if speed is your priority, traveling by car is the quickest option, with fares ranging from INR 680 to INR 950.

From Railway Station

The nearest train stations to St. Alex Church are San Juje Da Areyal, Chandor Goa, & Madgaon Junction. You’ll find numerous taxis & auto-rickshaws waiting outside these stations. Opting for a taxi can get you to the church in about 45 minutes, although the fare will be around INR 1250 from the railway station.

From Bus Stand

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located 24.1 km from Goa International Airport, with both buses & taxis readily available for transport. Goa boasts an extensive network of bus stands & stops that connect to all major areas of the city. Traveling to St. Alex Church by bus is a budget-friendly option compared to taking a taxi or renting a scooter. Buses generally run every 15 minutes from Panaji, making it convenient to reach your destination.

Best Time To Visit The St. Alex Church Calangute

St. Alex Church is conveniently located just 15 km from the Goa City Centre. The best time to visit is during the festive season in December, when celebrations kick off on December 18th & continue until December 25th. Villagers enthusiastically celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, alongside the Feast of Bananas. Visiting the church during this period provides a unique opportunity to partake in the vibrant festivities, & the pleasant weather adds to the experience. However, any time of year is perfect for exploring this beautiful church, as it is open daily from 9 AM to 8:30 PM.

Must-Visit Places Near The St. Alex Church Goa

1. Shri Ganpati Mahakali Temple: Just 3.6 km from St. Alex Church, the Shri Ganpati Mahakali Temple is a small and beautiful place nestled in greenery. You can reach it in about 8 to 10 minutes by car or scooter. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this serene temple is a perfect spot for meditation & finding peace away from daily life. It attracts many visitors during major Hindu festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, & Shivratri. You can also make offerings or donations if you wish.
2. Rachol Historical Bridge: Located 6.1 km from St. Alex Church, Rachol Historical Bridge is a charming tourist spot where you can enjoy nature’s beauty. If you love photography & birdwatching, this old Portuguese bridge offers a picturesque setting that’s perfect for capturing memories. It takes about 12 to 15 minutes to reach by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or rented scooter.
3. Pandava Caves: The Pandava Caves, just 7.8 km from St. Alex Church, are a fascinating archaeological site that showcases Goa’s rich cultural & religious history. Believed to have been built by the Pandavas in the 6th Century, these caves look more like rock temples. They are well-preserved, featuring Shivling statues & an artificial waterfall, surrounded by greenery—a must-visit for art lovers & history enthusiasts.
4. Ancestral Goa Big Foot: Located 9.5 km away in the Salcete District, Ancestral Goa Big Foot is a unique museum that showcases the life of fishermen & cashew cultivation in Goa. Here, you’ll find interesting artifacts & information about Goan culture & festivals. You can hire a guide who speaks Hindi or English. There’s an entry fee of INR 100 for adults & INR 50 for kids, plus an additional INR 20 if you want to take photos. It’s a fun & educational place to learn about Goan folklore and traditions.
5. Dragon Waterfall: About 15.1 km from St. Alex Church, Dragon Waterfall is a fantastic spot for a family picnic and taking Instagram-worthy pictures. The trek to the waterfall is short & involves a bit of climbing, allowing you to enjoy fresh air & beautiful scenery. Visiting with friends makes it even more enjoyable, especially if you bring some snacks. The waterfall is a beautiful sight & a great way to wrap up your religious visit to Goa.

• Pandava Caves: A breathtaking archaeological site popularly known as the Pandava Caves is just 7.8 km away from the St. Alex Church. This place will give you a quick dose of Goa’s both religious and cultural history. A must-visit place for the people with a love for art and hunger for knowledge as Pandava Caves dates back to the 6th Century that looks more like a rock temple than a cave and is said to be built by the Pandavas. Located in the small town of North Goa, this place is well-preserved and maintained with Shivling statues, an artificial waterfall, dark cave surrounded by greenery. 

• Ancestral Goa Big Foot: An astonishing museum located in Salcete District of Goa, the Ancestral Goa Big Foot lies 9.5 km away from the St. Alex Church. This mesmerizing place describes fisherman life and cashew cultivation in Goa in addition to displaying informative and ancient artefacts that will take you to surprise. You can also hire a guide that is mostly available in Hindi and English Language only. However, there’s an entry fee as well costing INR 100 for adults, INR 50 for kids and an additional INR 20 to carry a camera along. Ancestral Goa Big Foot is definitely a fun place and ideal to gain knowledge about Goa’s folklife, culture, Goan festivals, traditional businesses, and much more. 

• Dragon Waterfall: A perfect place to enjoy a picnic with your fam-jam and click endless Instagrammable pictures, Dragon Waterfall is just 33 mins away from the St. Alex Church with a distance of 15.1 km. The trek to the Dragon Waterfall is short with little mountain climbing and feeling some fresh air away from the chaos. This place is even more fun and entertaining when visited in a group with some food to enjoy, and the waterfall of course is already a treat to the eyes. So, gear up for the cutest adventure after a religious visit and make the most of your trip to Goa. 

Other Popular Church in Goa

After visiting St. Alex Church, don’t miss the opportunity to explore some of the top churches in Goa. Each of these churches offers something unique, from fascinating ancient relics to pretty architecture. No matter which church you choose to visit, you’re sure to enhance your travel experience and discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of Goa.

Other Churches in Goa

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