Famed for its beach, Anjuna also has a Portuguese-era church

Evelyn Siqueira

WHAT’S IN A NAME

St Michael's Church in Anjuna, or Sao Miguel Arcanjo Igreja em Anjuna in Portuguese, is a beautiful church dedicated to St Michael the Archangel.

St Michael's Church | Anjuna | Goa | North Goa | Photo: Abigail Crasto

SOME BASICS

Founded in 1603, the Anjuna Church is one of Goa's oldest churches and has undergone several renovations over the years.

St Michael's Church | Anjuna | Goa | North Goa | Photo: Abigail Crasto

EXTERNAL APPEARANCE

It has 5 bays and 3 storeys, with its exterior showcasing Mannerist architecture along with Rococo elements.

St Michael's Church | Anjuna | Goa | Mannerist Rococo architecture | Photo: Abigail Crasto

TOP FACTS

The twin towers of the church are crowned with cupolas adorned with flower bud-shaped finials. Such finials can also be seen atop the facades of the parish churches of Mapusa, Anjuna and Goa Velha.

St Michael's Church | Anjuna | Goa | North Goa | cupola | finials | Photo: Abigail Crasto

SON OF THE SOIL

Within the church compound, you'll find a statue of the Venerable Fr Agnelo, who hails from Anjuna.

St Michael's Church | Anjuna | Goa | Ven Fr Agnelo | Photo: Abigail Crasto

CRISTO REI

In addition to the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the church also houses a statue of Christ the King, which was brought from Italy.

St Michael's Church | Anjuna | Goa | Christo Rei statue | Photo: Abigail Crasto

FEAST DAY

The feast of St Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of the church, is celebrated annually on September 29th or the first Sunday following that date.

St Michael's Church | Anjuna | Goa | St Michael the Archangel | Photo: Abigail Crasto

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