Located in Old Goa, at a distance of 9 km from Panaji, the Church of St. Francis of Assissi is an important church in Goa. This church shares the same compound with Se Cathedral, another grand church of Goa. Counted among the most beautiful churches in Goa, the church was built during 1517- 1521 AD.
The church was humbly started in the few old houses of a deceased Thanadar. This start was done by the eight Franciscan friars in 1517. With great devotion, they created a small chapel having three altars and a choir.

This chapel, later in 1521, got converted into a church. Then in 1602 AD, it was dedicated to the Holy Ghost. Present church was later constructed in 1661 after pulling down of original church, retaining its entrance. Church also had a convent which was closed in 1835 by the Portuguese government. Later in 1964, Archeological Survey of India converted this church into a museum which displays paintings, artifacts and the pieces of Hindu temple architecture in Goa.

The main feature of Goan Churches which attracts tourists from all religions, classes and nationality is their magnificent architecture. Though this church is much smaller than the Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, but its grandeur is no less than other India Goan Churches. The church is heavily painted with intricately carved altars. The architecture of the church is the blend of Tuscan style and the Mosaic-Corinthian style. There is Indian touch in patterns painted near ceiling. Walls are painted with beautiful floral fresco and scenes from Bible. This west facing church has three chapels, two altars and a main altar. There is a belfry and a sacristy to the north of the main altar.

A statue of St. Michael stands on the façade and a pedestal of one of its chapel holds the wooden statue of St. Francis. Then there are huge statues of St. Francis and another of the Jesus on the cross which are placed on the tabernacle. The holy sacrament was displayed on this tabernacle. Despite all these grand feature, church reflects a serene dignity.