Old Goa, also known as Velha Goa, was once the capital of the Portuguese possessions in India. Today, several churches and convents from that era still exist.

A short distance south of Se Cathedral is a small graveyard nestled between a few trees. This is the Old Goa Cemetery. According to historical experts, this cemetery was once the site of the Recolhimento (Retreat or Shelter Home) of Nossa Senhora da Serra. Near this order, there existed the Recolhimento of Santa Maria Magdalena, as well as Santa Casa de Misericordia (Holy House of Mercy) of Goa.

According to sources, these retreats were founded in 1605. Later in 1841, the retreats were shifted to the Carmelite Convent at Chimbel, near Ribandar. Today, at their site in Old Goa, there exists the cemetery.

It's also said that near the site of the present-day cemetery existed one of the gates into the erstwhile walled city of Old Goa. The gate was called Porta dos Bacais.