Surviving belfry
Look at the tower from permitted ground-level positions. Its height helps convey the scale of the church that once occupied this site; do not climb the structure.
attraction · Panaji, Old Goa and the central north coast
Church of St Augustine ruins
See the surviving laterite tower and exposed remains of St Augustine’s church and convent on Old Goa’s Monte Santo.
From research
Is this worth your time?
Choose this for archaeology and the contrast with Old Goa’s intact churches. It is a separate uphill stop where the surviving plan and fragments matter as much as the tower photograph.
Know before you book: Expect an archaeological ruin rather than a functioning church interior or a tower climb. Barriers and conservation work determine where you can walk; exposed surfaces can be difficult in heat or rain.
Place highlights
What you will actually see
Church and convent remains
Follow the permitted paths to read walls, piers and spaces as the outline of a larger complex. Do not step over barriers or stand on masonry for a clearer view.
Details underfoot
Look for surviving or conserved surface fragments only where the visitor route allows. Leave tiles, stones and other material in place.
The story behind the visit
The story behind the place
The church of Our Lady of Grace was completed around 1602 by the Augustinians. The order’s expulsion in 1835 left the complex abandoned, followed by collapse and decay. Its great bell eventually moved to Panaji’s Immaculate Conception Church: the intact city church and these ruins preserve connected parts of the same story. Source ↗
UNESCO includes the St Augustine complex in the World Heritage ensemble and identifies archaeological excavation and tile conservation as part of its protection. The site therefore rewards careful looking at small remains, not climbing for a panorama. Source ↗
Dated visitor information
Tickets, timing and access
- Time to allow
- Our suggested allowance is 40–60 minutes, plus the separate approach from the central churches.Source checked · Recheck by . Confirm with the operator ↗Dated source information; confirm before travel.
- Opening and admission
- No current opening timetable or entry tariff was verified from the heritage sources checked on 20 October 2026. Confirm at the site or with ASI before making a special trip.Source checked · Recheck by . Confirm with the operator ↗Dated source information; confirm before travel.
- Walking conditions
- Wear shoes suited to irregular ground and bring water. A continuous step-free route, shaded rest area and accessible toilet were not verified.Source checked · Recheck by . Confirm with the operator ↗Dated source information; confirm before travel.
Getting to the entrance
Treat Monte Santo as a separate walk or road transfer from the Bom Jesus and Sé Cathedral area. Decide according to heat, rain and mobility; do not assume the itinerary’s map point marks a suitable vehicle entrance. Official visitor information ↗
Your questions, answered
Source information checked 20 October 2026; confirm current access and visitor arrangements with the operator.
Can I climb the tower?
This guide does not include tower access. Stay on permitted visitor routes and respect barriers around fragile remains. Source ↗
Is it still worth visiting after two churches?
Yes if you want to understand the former scale of Old Goa through archaeology. If the group is tired or conditions are poor, it is a sensible optional stop. Source ↗
Nearby options
Nearby places to explore
Distances are straight-line estimates between catalogue pins, within 30 km. Roads, entrances and walking routes may be much longer. Known closed places are excluded; inclusion does not confirm opening today.
attraction · 0.6 km
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Enter Old Goa’s Basilica of Bom Jesus to see its gilded altar and the shrine of St Francis Xavier, part of Goa’s World Heritage church ensemble.
Open place page →attraction · 0.8 km
Se Cathedral and the surrounding church precinct
Explore Sé Cathedral’s broad façade and vaulted interior, then choose how much of the neighbouring Old Goa church precinct to add.
Open place page →attraction · 7.9 km
Fontainhas neighbourhood
Walk Panaji’s Fontainhas lanes to notice tiled roofs, raised houses and the mix of Goan and European architectural details.
Open place page →attraction · 8.4 km
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
Visit Panaji’s white hilltop church for its double staircase, city setting and carved altars, with interior access fitted around worship.
Open place page →attraction · 10.9 km
Miramar Beach
Use Miramar for a coastal walk close to Panaji, with time to sit by the shore before returning to the city.
Open place page →attraction · 14.2 km
Fort Aguada upper fort
Visit Aguada’s hilltop fort for its laterite defences, water-storage engineering and views over the coastal approaches to Goa.
Open place page →External visitor reviews
Part of a bigger journey
Location & access
Getting your bearings
Suggested visit allowance: about 60 minutes. Allow additional time for transfers and breaks.
15.50070, 73.90640 · Reference point; confirm the correct entrance and access. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Sources & place context
Source-based place brief. A catalogue reference is not a live availability check or a report of a personal visit.
Visitor details checked 20 October 2026. Page content updated 2026-10-20.