Monumental Legacy - Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Goa

The 16th century church, Church OF Our Lady of the Rosary serves as the Monumental Legacy of Goa. This oldest church was built under the supervision of Afonso de Alberquerque, who witnessed the Portuguese conquest in the year 1510. Today, this church serves as a great source of attraction for the tourists flocking Goa from India as well as abroad. The goan population believes in the fact that St Francis comes for preaching the Bible, every evening, at this chapel. This church has gone under several restoration but post-liberation (1961), such an extensive exercise is soon going to be taken for the first time.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Goa

Coming to the architecture of this church, it is completely influenced by the Manueline style. In this style, you may find the blend of Renaissance and late Gothic style of architecture. Initially, laterite blocks were used in the construction and later, lime mortar was used for plastering. Among the three altars in this church, the main altar is devoted to Lady Rosary. With inspiration from other religions, the interiors of the church are beautifully decorated and wooden planks are used for making of the roof. The church also has a two-storeyed portico. The portico and the façade of the church have rounded towers on both the sides with the cross on top. As the restoration is mandated every 50-60 years, the wooden altars and gold-plated antiquities are soon to be renovated. The church also has a cenotaph that marks the marriage of Viceroy Garcia De Sa with Dona Catarina, performed by St. Francis Xavier. This slightly projected cenotaph is beautifully decorated with inscription in Portuguese language. Some elements of the church also resembles to the regional art like motifs on vases represent the Gujarati style of art.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is widely visited by tourists in comparison to numerous other Churches of Goa. This church nestles near the Basilica of Dom Jesus. Reaching the uphill from the Basilica, you may get the view of the church. It is to the western side of the Holy Hill of Old Goa. From Panaji, you can easily reach the church in 20 minutes by bus or taxi. You may also find GoaTravel Guide to fetch you to the exact location. These guides are well-versed with the location and facts about the church. Try to draw maximum facts you may, from the guide.