The St. Augustine Tower, located in Old Goa, Goa, is a significant historical landmark and a symbol of the colonial heritage of India. The tower is all that remains of the once-grand St. Augustine Church and monastery, which were part of the Augustinian Order that settled in Goa during the 16th century. Today, the St. Augustine Tower is a well-preserved ruin and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors who are interested in Goa’s colonial history, architecture, and religious past.
Historical Background:
The St. Augustine Church and Monastery was originally established in 1597 by the Augustinian missionaries who were among the earliest Catholic missionaries to arrive in India. The church and the adjoining monastery complex were constructed to serve as both a place of worship and an educational institution for the people of the region.
- Church and Monastery:
- The St. Augustine Church was one of the largest and most important churches in Goa, serving as a central hub for religious activities. The adjacent monastery was a center of spiritual learning and missionary work, housing a community of Augustinian monks.
- The monastery and church complex included several chapels, prayer halls, and rooms for the monks. It was known for its architectural grandeur, adorned with intricate decorations and a fine blend of European and Indian artistic styles.
- Decline and Abandonment:
- The decline of the St. Augustine Church and Monastery began in the 18th century, following the Portuguese expulsion from Goa. In 1835, the Portuguese government passed a law that led to the closure of many religious institutions, including the Augustinian monastery, resulting in the abandonment of the church and monastery.
- The church and its structures fell into disrepair, with parts of the building being dismantled or destroyed over time. What remains today is only a portion of the original church — the St. Augustine Tower — which has become a symbol of the once-great religious establishment.
St. Augustine Tower: Key Features and Architecture:
The St. Augustine Tower is the solitary remnant of the St. Augustine Church. The tower stands tall and imposing amidst the ruins, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past.
- Structure:
- The tower is a four-story structure, built from laterite stone, which was commonly used in Goan architecture. The tower originally served as the bell tower of the St. Augustine Church and was part of the larger church and monastery complex.
- The tower reaches a height of about 46 meters (151 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Old Goa. The tower’s upper portion is designed with arched windows that would have allowed the sound of the church bells to reach the surrounding area, signaling prayer times to the residents of Old Goa.
- Design:
- The baroque architectural style of the tower, typical of many churches built by the Portuguese in Goa, is evident in its design. The tower’s simple yet elegant design features a rectangular base, with successive floors narrowing as they rise. The tower’s architectural features include arched openings, decorative stone carvings, and corbelled brickwork.
- The tower also had bells, although they are no longer present. These bells were once used for liturgical purposes and played a crucial role in the religious life of Old Goa.
- Ruins of the Church:
- The remnants of the St. Augustine Church are scattered around the tower, including fragments of walls and the remains of decorative elements such as carved stone and wooden beams. The area surrounding the tower provides a sense of the original size and importance of the church, with its grand entrance, nave, and aisles now reduced to ruins.
- The church and its adjacent monastery were likely designed to have a Latin cross layout, typical of many Christian churches of the time. The space would have included an altar and various chapels for prayer and worship.