The Portuguese built this church in 1521 and called it "Our Lady of the Hill". It acquired its present name from the Dutch, who built a new Lutheran church (Christ Church) down the hill, while St. Paul's became a funereal ground and a white-washed navigational marker for passing ships. It owes much of its fame to St. Francis Xavier, who preached, lived, and was laid to rest here. The Saint's remains were later transferred to Goa but his legend continues to grace new visitors here every day.