Most people don’t realize that southern India is peppered with Christian churches. And by “most people,” I really mean “me.”
While I knew India was a unique stew of religions and philosophies, I somehow left Christianity out of the recipe. Thankfully, traveling around Goa has enlightened me — in just a week I’ve already seen enough stunning places of worship to rival the biggest European cathedrals.
Here’s the story: The Portuguese came into town a few hundred years ago, tore down a bunch of Indian temples and built churches there instead. No, that wasn’t very nice. But wow, do the Portuguese know how to build a church.
The structures are a peculiar marriage of simplicity and ornateness. Toothpaste white exteriors give way to elaborate carvings, excessive gilding and grandiose pulpits. The result is nothing short of spectacular.
This one was broken. (I didn’t do it!)
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