9 km from the East of Panjim is Old Goa and is popular for its churches and cathedrals. Some of the old buildings are converted into museums maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Old Goa is still the spiritual heart of Christian Goa. It has been granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO for its extraordinarily grandiose churches & convents.

History
It was the second capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur before the arrival of the Portuguese. Under the Portuguese, the city grew rapidly in size and splendor. But it was short-lived because by the end of the 16th century. That of the British, French & Dutch, had replaced Portuguese supremacy on the seas. In 1843, the capital was shifted to Panaji.