St. Paul Church, Ponda

Ruins of St. Paul's Church in Ponda are no less attractive than the other tall standing churches of Goa. St. Paul's church with its historical legendary is one of the prominent attractions of Goa, which pulls many people to visit the place every year. Foundation of this church was lead back in the 16th century by two holy priests, Father Diogo de Borba and Father Miguel Vaz. These two priests are also known for the establishment of 'Santa Fe Confraternity' in Asia.

Interesting Facts About St. Paul Church, Ponda?

• This church used to be one of the most renowned educational institutions of India, which offered education from primary to specialized and doctorate degrees.
• St. Paul church enjoys the proud to have set up the first printing press in entire Asia. The first printed publications were also circulated from this place.
• In 1548 after the death of Father Borba, the seminary went into the hands of St. Francis Xavier.
• The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier earlier were housed in this church only. Preserved in a silver casket, the remains of the saint were later shifted to Basilica of Bom Jesus.
• The College of St. Paul was the first house of the Jesuit Order in Goa.
• Earlier serving only to priests and the converts, the college later in 1556 was opened for all to study. Thus transformed into a secular institution, by the order of king Dom Joao III, in 1568 the college had around three thousand students enrolled from India and all over Asia.
• St. Paul's church is also credited for the introduction of Santos Passos (dramatic representation of Passion of Christ) in Asia. This procession also features self-thrashing people.
• St. Paul church Ponda is also the burial place for the martyrs of Cuncolim.

How to Reach the St Paul Church
Located on the main road to Ponda from Old Goa, this church is fairly accessible from any part of Goa. You can easily reach the church by hiring any local transport like taxi, auto and even public and private line buses run through this area. Taking NH 4A, you can easily reach at your destination in Ponda from various major cities.

Dabolim is the nearest airport to Ponda city and from there you can easily get to Ponda by hiring a taxi.

Nearest railway station is at Margao (17km).

Nearest Airport to Panjim is Dabolim.

Accommodation Facility Near the Church
With a long stretched 130km coastline; Goa offers an immense combination of superb beaches, opulent churches and luxuries hotels. Come cherish your Goa tour with the luxurious hotels around. As per your budget, you can easily get yourself a good accommodation here. Best Ponda Hotels to stay around St. Paul's church are:

• Mayem Residency
• Farmagudi Residency
• Hotel Jyoti Plaza
• Hotel Sun Inn
• Old Goa Residency
• The Goa Shankar Hotel
• Hotel Solmar Exotica
• Kirti Hotel
• Vila Nova Resort
• Hotel Sungrace
• Hotel Mini Punjab
• Venkatesh Leela Hotel

Major Attractions of St Paul Church
Started in 1541, after lots of hard efforts of the two holy priests, construction of the church came to completion on 25th January, 1543. Church's completion is also regarded as the special day as the day of its final finishing.

Architectural Appeal:
Built in Doric style, St Paul's church once stood as one of the finest Jesuit architecture in Goa. The church was made of laterite with basalt columns at its sides. Later in 1560, the old structure was demolished and thus, foundation was lead for a bigger church with three naves. The church building including a big library, a novitiate, a hospital and a house for those who were converted recently. After around 20 years, a crack developed on one of the walls of the church. Thus to support the church structure, three arches of splendid size were built in. Thus, the church is also called 'Sao Paulo dos Arcos' meaning St. Paul of Arches. Started as a seminary of the Holy Faith for the training of young converts, the church emerged as a landmark educational institution of excellence. After the demolition of the college structure, two separate buildings were constructed that were linked by a common passage. 'Seminãrio de Santa Fé' was the students' wing and the other building 'Colégio de São Paulo' was the residence of the Jesuits. By the year 1827 the College and the Church became quiet devastated and finally being in a dilapidated state, the government demolished it properly in the year 1829. The material was carried to Panjim to be used in new constructions. Archway and some of the parts of the façade though were preserved. The 'Gate of The College of St. Paul' can be seen even today south of the St. Cajetan's church, by the side of the road leading to Ponda from Old Goa.

In 1570 an epidemic spread out. The Jesuits thus moved to the Pedro de Faria houses atop Nossa Senhora do Rosãrio in 1578 and used them as a residence for the Convalescents. In 1580, this complex was named as 'Colégio de São Roque'. Gradually as all the departments of studies from College of St. Paul were shifted in here; the building thus started being called as 'Colégio de São Paulo-o-Novo' which means St. Paul, the New. Construction of this new building though was greatly opposed by the Augustinians and Santa Mó nica nuns.

Other Nearby Attractions

• Ponda, the heart of Hinduism in Goa has fabulous temples.
• Bondla Wildlife Senctuary
• Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Senctuary
• Dudhsagar waterfalls

While on a vacation in Goa, don't miss to visit the lavish remains of gracious St. Paul Church.