Why are Roman Catholic churches common along Goa’s western coast?

Roman Catholic churches are common along Goa’s western coast primarily due to the region's history as a Portuguese colony, which lasted for over four centuries beginning in 1510.12

As the capital of Portugal’s eastern empire, Goa served as a central base for the Roman Catholic Church in Asia. The colonial administration and the church actively promoted Christianity, leading to the construction of numerous churches and convents, many of which are now designated as World Heritage sites. This religious influence was further reinforced by the Goa Inquisition, which sought to suppress local Hinduism and Islam while encouraging conversion to Catholicism. Consequently, the western coastal areas and estuaries, where Portuguese influence was most concentrated, became characterized by a landscape dotted with churches and wayside crosses, reflecting this enduring colonial and religious legacy.234156