One of the most famous tourists points in Goa, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is located on a hilltop in Panaji.
The white glowing church is majorly known for its structure and its flight of stairs that zigzag to the top. Another attraction of the church is the Augustinian Bell located in the belfry, which also the second largest bell in Goa.
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is additionally referred to as by the people of Goa as the ‘Crown of Panaji’, a ‘great big wedding cake’ like structure and ‘a bride waiting at the altar’. This famous church in Goa has additionally been the backdrop in many Bollywood films. In December, a one-day feast of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is celebrated each year with pomp and show making it a must-see
Immaculate Conception, in Roman Catholic dogma asserts that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved free from the effects of the sin of Adam (usually referred to as “original sin”) from the first instant of her conception. Mother Mary’s privilege, thus, was the result of God’s grace and not of any intrinsic merit on her part.
History of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
The records of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception states that the unique shape constructed right here first used to be a chapel in 1541 for the sailors to pay their gratitude for being capable to attain safely before heading to Old Goa or Velha Goa. The chapel, later in 1619 was once rebuilt into a church that nevertheless stands today.
Architecture of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
The structure of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is a combine of Portuguese-Baroque and Goan style. The facade is adorned with two towers and a tall belfry in which is placed the Augustinian bell.
Major Highlights of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
The Augustinian bell in the principal belfry
Zigzag flight of stairs
Panaji’s view from the church steps
View of the church after sundown when the façade is lit through a multitude of lights
Statue of St. Francis Xavier amidst the reredos
Two towers on both facets of the façade
Carved altars and pulpits
Marble statues of St. Peter and St. Paul
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
Visiting Time of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Monday to Sunday: 9.00 am – 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm – 7.30 pm
How to Reach Our Lady of Immaculate Conception?
The Our Lady of Immaculate Conception has located around 1.6 km from Panaji Market. One can easily get an auto-rickshaw to reach the church. One can additionally choose to walk from several parts of Panaji to go to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
