The short answer
St Anthony's Church, Siolim: what visitors should know first
Worth 30 to 45 minutes if you like churches or want a quiet stop in Siolim. Dress modestly, avoid service times for photography and check opening hours, as parish churches can close between services.
History and context
The story behind St Anthony's Church, Siolim
The Franciscans founded a first church at Gaunsavaddo in 1568. The Marna church was begun around 1600 with help from two Portuguese merchants, according to local accounts, and the present building dates from 1902 to 1907. Sources differ on some dates.
Useful facts
St Anthony's Church, Siolim facts at a glance
- Location
- Marna, Siolim
- Experience type
- Parish church
- Known for
- Neo-Gothic facade, serpent legend
- Built
- Foundation 1902, blessed 1907
- Feast day
- 13 June, kept the following Sunday
- Altars
- Five, with a teak main altar
Why it matters
Why St Anthony's Church, Siolim is worth your time
The Franciscans founded the first church in Siolim at Gaunsavaddo in 1568, a mud structure dedicated to Mae de Deus. The order later moved to Marna at the edge of the Chapora river.
The present church replaced an earlier building. Its foundation was laid in 1902 and it was blessed in 1907. It is a rare neo-Gothic design for Goa and is a local landmark. Even a short visit adds some depth to a beach stay that is otherwise light on historic sights.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Facade
Two towers and circular windows.
- 02
Teak altar
Carved main altar with a silver serpent.
- 03
Serpent legend
A painting tells the story.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Visit in the morning and spend a few minutes outside looking at the front, with its two towers, circular windows and pointed domes. Inside, look at the main altar, carved from teak with a silver serpent at the saint's feet.
The snake is the key to the church's story. Local tradition says a serpent disrupted construction until it was found tangled in a rope held by the statue of St Anthony. You will see the serpent in paintings and carvings around the church.
Keep your visit short and quiet, and avoid service times. Combine it with lunch at Amancio Classic or a stop at the Siolim market.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Dress modestly
- Avoid service times
- Ask before photographing worshippers
- Check opening hours
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Marna, Siolim, on the Chapora river side, 10 to 15 minutes from Morjim
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Best time
- Morning, outside service times
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Mostly level ground to the church with a few steps at the entrance and benches inside. It is shaded and cooler than the open beach.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket. It is a working parish church, so dress modestly, keep your voice low and ask before photographing worshippers. Feast day is on 13 June, celebrated on the following Sunday.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near St Anthony's Church, Siolim
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Mostly level ground to the church with a few steps at the entrance and benches inside. It is shaded and cooler than the open beach.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When was St Anthony's Church built?
The present building was begun in 1902 and blessed in 1907, replacing earlier churches.
What is the snake in the paintings?
A local legend says a serpent disrupted construction until it was caught in a rope held by St Anthony's statue.
Is it open to visitors?
It is a working parish church, so visit outside service times and check opening hours.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.