Church of St Cajetan

The Church of St Cajetan in Old Goa was built by Italian friars of the Theatine order and completed in the 17th century. It is modelled on the design of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, which makes it unusual among Goa's churches. Its most distinctive feature is the dome, rare in Goan church architecture. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence but takes its popular name from St Cajetan, founder of the Theatines. The facade is in the Corinthian style, flanked by statues of the apostles. Inside, the main altar is richly gilded, and the interior is light and well proportioned. Nearby stands a gateway believed to be a remnant of the palace of Adil Shah. The church is part of the UNESCO-listed Churches and Convents of Goa, and is worth the trip for its Italian-inspired architecture.