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São Tomé
Historical Site

São Tomé

Goa
4.6
(870 reviews)
4
Tours Available
Free (donations welcome)
Adult Entry
2-3 hours
Recommended Duration
November to February
Best Time

Overview

São Tomé is a historic village in Goa, known for its Portuguese colonial architecture and the famous St. Thomas Chapel, believed to be the burial site of St. Thomas the Apostle.

São Tomé is significant for its historical and religious importance, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts.

Religious Site Architectural Landmark

Location

Address

Sao Tome District, Panaji, Goa

Neighborhood: Fontainhas

Coordinates

15.499600, 73.829500

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults
Free (donations welcome)
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November to February

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
2-3 hours
Full Experience
Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and sunny

  • • Festivals
  • • Blooming gardens

summer

Hot and humid

  • • Extended daylight hours

autumn

Pleasant and dry

  • • Cooler weather
  • • Harvest season

winter

Cool and dry

  • • Christmas and New Year celebrations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Dress modestly for religious sites
  • Carry water and sun protection
  • Check opening times for religious services

What to Bring

essential

ID Water Comfortable shoes

recommended

Camera Sunscreen Guidebook

seasonal

Umbrella Raincoat

not allowed

Large bags Drone photography

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

  • • Stay hydrated
  • • Use sun protection

Medical facilities: Nearby medical centers available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Typical Costs

entry Free (donations welcome)
parking $2
food $5-$10
souvenirs $5-$20

Dress Code

Modest clothing for religious sites, Comfortable walking shoes, Closed shoes recommended, Revealing clothing in religious areas

Booking Tips

  • • 1-2 weeks for peak season
  • • Official website or local tour operators
  • • 48 hours in advance
  • • Available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Goa Heritage App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Maps, Audio guides, Event calendars

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Nearby cafes

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Dabolim Airport (GOI)

Distance: 30 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes

taxi
$15-$20 45 min
public_transport
$5 1.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

bus
$1 20 min
taxi
$5-$10 15 min
rideshare
$5-$8 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Rich history and cultural significance

Historical Significance: Believed to be the burial site of St. Thomas the Apostle

Insider Tips

  • Visit early for a peaceful experience
  • Local cafes offer authentic Goan snacks

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local Goan cuisine
  • • Visit nearby Fontainhas for more Portuguese architecture

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello
thank_you Thank you
where_is Kite ka?
how_much Kamcha?
beautiful Sundar
ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Portuguese, Konkani

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

St. Thomas Chapel

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the chapel from the garden for a scenic view

Result: Beautiful architectural shots with natural light

#Goa #SãoTomé #HistoricalGoa #Chapel

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Gardens
prohibited areas Inside the chapel during services
flash photography Not allowed inside the chapel
commercial photography Permit required
drone policy Prohibited without special permission
tripod policy Allowed in gardens, not inside buildings
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Fontainhas Latin Quarter

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Historical District

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Religious Site

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Distance: 3 km

Walking: 40 min

Type: Religious Site

Reviews

4.6

Based on 870 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit early to avoid crowds"
  • "Combine with a visit to Fontainhas"
  • "Don't miss the chapel's interior"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (5)

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Quick Info

Available Tours

4

Rating

4.6 / 5.0

Reviews

870

Adult Entry

Free (donations welcome)

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