Introduction

Church of Our Lady of Rosary is located at Holy Hill to the west of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is embellished with architectural masterpieces in the form of churches and convents from the golden age. Most of these churches were built after 15th century as a thanksgiving to the Portuguese victory in annexing Goa. One such structure was the Church of Our Lady of Rosary which marked the first victory of Portuguese in Goa.

Nestled in pristine surroundings overlooking the Mandovi River and Divar Island, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city built in 1544. There is a plaque placed within the church highlighting how Alfonso de Albuquerque, the first Portuguese Admiral to come to Goa, vowed to make this church as thanksgiving at Holy Hill. The church took six years to complete, and in the interim Goa’s patron saint Francis Xavier was given the authority of the church, and he would impart knowledge on Christianity in the evenings. The church is very popular with the locals owing to its connection with St. Francis Xavier. The feast day of the church is held every year in November marked by fetes, live musical shows, dances and fashion shows.

Regarded as an excellent example of Manueline style of architecture, the church is built of laterite and plastered with lime mortar. Resembling a fortress, the façade of the church has rounded towers on either side with a cross on the top. You will notice windows near the roof which is tiled and supported by wooden rafters. Don’t miss out the Gothic influence that is evident in the rib-vault at the two-storied portico.

Cruciform in plan, the church has two chapels, a choir gallery just above the entrance, and three altars, with the main altar dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary. Interestingly, the church has a distinct Hindu influence as well, especially the main altar that is adorned with motifs of cashew, mangoes and flowers. Look out for the cenotaph of Dona Catarina whose marriage to Viceroy Garicia de Sa was performed by St. Francis Xavier. Its decorations, the foliage emanating from the vase closely resemble the temple decoration style in Gujarat. Take a look at the intricately carved miniature pillars and inscriptions in Portuguese.

Visit this church for its fine amalgamation of diverse architectural styles. Highly recommended on a Goan vacation!

Special Attributes

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa, the church is regarded as an excellent example of Manueline style of architecture.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately, avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

You can take a private taxi or hire a motorcycle. Besides, there are frequent buses from Panaji to Old Goa. You can drive comfortably on NH 4A, which begins as the Ribander Causeway, runs east along the Mandovi River, and continues south-east to Ponda.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be indoors

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

You can enjoy great views of Mandovi River from the church.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Keep your tone low in the church, and turn your phone to silent mode

Type of site

Church