Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

About Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount, Goa

Nestled in Goa’s rich heritage, the Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte is one of the oldest churches in the region. Known for its serene atmosphere, the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is a favorite among those seeking solitude & peace. Situated near the Se Cathedral, it offers breathtaking views of Old Goa, the Mandovi River, & Chorão Island, all within the refreshing backdrop of surrounding hills.

Located in Goa Velha, this 16th-century church is cherished for its religious importance & amazing location. It’s also famous for hosting the ‘Monte Music Festival,’ a four-day celebration of Indian & Western music held every February, making it a hotspot for music enthusiasts.

Surrounded by greenery & picturesque landscapes, this enchanting church is known for its spectacular sunsets. Its elevated position near the Chapel of St. Catherine enhances the strategic significance of Our Lady of the Mount Church.

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History of Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte is a Roman Catholic church constructed between 1510 & 1519 in Old Goa, India. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this historic church was built on the orders of Afonso de Albuquerque, the governor of Portuguese India, following his victory over the Goan Muslim ruler Adil Shah in 1510.

Years after this conquest, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount was established to commemorate the location where Adil Shah’s artillery was positioned. In 1931, the Archaeological Committee of the Portuguese inscribed a marble plaque that reads: “Muslim Leader – Mohammad’s artillery stood here against Afonso de Albuquerque to recapture Goa in 1510.”

The architecture of Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

Constructed from Laterite stone in the Mannerist style, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount features impressive 2.7-meter-thick walls and a roof made of Mangalore tiles. The design of this church resembles that of the Se Cathedral, to which it is historically linked. It consists of three sections, with the ground floor showcasing entrances adorned with window crowns and a triangular pediment above. The upper section includes a central panel flanked by wings, concealing the chapel’s gable roof.

Over the years, several additions have been made to the chapel, including a two-story loggia attached to its north wall. Additional extensions were built on the eastern façade & the northeastern wall.

Inside the church chancel, there are three altars. The main altar features an image of Our Lady of the Mount holding the baby Jesus, above which is a depiction of the Virgin Mary’s coronation & below, an illustration of Our Lady of the Assumption. Statues at the base represent St. Vincent with a ship & St. Lawrence with a gridiron, symbolizing their martyrdom. The collateral altar is dedicated to St. Anthony.

Essential Information About Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

How To Reach Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount is perched on a hilltop behind the Chapel of St. Catherine. Accessing it involves a narrow road lined with greenery. You can reach the church by booking a flight to Goa, taking a train, or driving your vehicle from your location.

How To Reach Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount By Air

The nearest airport to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount is Goa International Airport, located in Dabolim. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights & Terminal 2 for international flights. From the airport, you can easily reach the church by taking a taxi, booking a cab, or using public transportation, which offers affordable fares.

• Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (Goa International Airport)
• Address: Airport Rd, Dabolim, Goa 403801

How To Reach Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount By Road

To reach the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, you’ll need to navigate a narrow road that runs past St. Cajetan Church, located just after Se Cathedral. You can access the church by road from Panjim via NH748 & from Vasco da Gama via NH366. For a comfortable trip, consider booking a cab or taxi. Alternatively, you can take a public bus for the most affordable option!

How To Reach Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount By Rail

Karmali Railway Station, located about 3.2 km from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount, is the nearest railway station. It is well-connected to major cities across the country. Upon arrival, you can easily find an auto, taxi, or bus to take you to the church from the station.

How To Reach Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount From Panaji (Panjim)

The Church of Our Lady of the Mount, situated in Goa Velha, is a beautiful example of Portuguese architecture. It lies about 13 km from Panjim, perched atop a wooded hill. The journey from Goa’s capital takes approximately 23 minutes via NH748, & you can easily reach the church by bus, taxi, cab, or auto.

Best Time To Visit Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

Perched on a hilltop, the Church of Our Lady of the Mount enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. During summer, you can enjoy pretty views of Chorão Island & the Mandovi River. The best time to walk along the narrow green road leading to the church is from November to February. This period offers a refreshing experience, especially during the monsoon season when you can enjoy the cool breeze & the powerful flow of the Mandovi River.

For music lovers, visiting during the Monte Music Festival in November is a must. This four-day event showcases the beauty of Indian classical & Western classical music, making it an unforgettable experience.

Places To Visit Near Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

1. The Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah :This stone gateway, made from volcanic rock, is a significant landmark near the Mandovi River. It was once part of the palace of Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah from the Bijapur Kingdom & is the only remnant of a 16th-century empire.
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount: 1.3 km.
2. Viceroy’s Arch: Built by Francisco da Gama in 1599, the Viceroy’s Arch served as the main entrance to Old Goa. This monument honors the famous explorer Vasco da Gama. In 1954, it was renovated & now features a statue of Vasco da Gama on one side & a statue of St. Catherine on the other.
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount: 1.3 km.
3. Archaeological Museum of Goa: This small museum showcases ancient artifacts, stamps, & paintings from the colonial era. It has eight galleries, with the most notable being the portraits of Goa’s Viceroys & Governors.
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount: 1.5 km.
4. Wax World Museum: The Wax World Museum is India’s second most popular wax museum. One of its main attractions is the 22-foot-tall statue of the ‘Last Supper,’ weighing 500 kg, which draws many visitors. The museum, located in Old Goa, features over 30 wax sculptures of famous Indian personalities & historical figures.
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount: 1.5 km.
5. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Named after the famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, this sanctuary is the smallest protected area in Goa, located on Chorao Island. It’s a bird-watching paradise, featuring mangrove habitats and a diverse ecosystem.
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount: 7.9 km.
6. Mystic Woods by The Butterfly Conservatory of Goa:Located in the Ponda district, this butterfly conservatory is a lovely sanctuary & park that spans 4,000 square meters. It’s a peaceful spot to walk & enjoy nature. The park is filled with seasonal butterflies, fish ponds, shady trees, and greenery, making it a great place for photography & relaxation.
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount: 18.5 km

• Wax World Museum: Wax World Museum is the second most popular wax museum in India. The statue of ‘Last Supper’, 22 feet tall and weighing 500 kg, attracts many visitors with its texture and beauty. Located in Old Goa, this museum houses more than 30 sculptures of famous Indian personalities and historical figures.
  Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is 1.5 km.

• Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Named after India’s eminent ornithologist Dr Salim Moizuddin Ali, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the smallest protected area located on Chorao Island in Goa. This piece of ornithological paradise is undoubtedly a spectacular insight into the delicate ecosystem. An estuary mangrove habitat is a popular bird-watching area in Goa. 
  Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is 7.9 km.

• Mystic Woods by The Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa: Goa’s Butterfly Conservatory is a beautiful sanctuary and park in the Ponda district. Spread over 4000 square metres, it has been designed as a place to stroll and explore the peaceful beauty of nature. Photography in this serene park with seasonal butterflies, fish ponds, shady trees, and a lush green valley will make your visit a memorable one.
  Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is 18.5 km.

Places To Eat Near Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

1. Greenyard Restaurant & Bar
2. Annapurna Restaurant
3. Shambhavi Restaurant
4. Palm Groove Bar & Restaurant
5. Restaurante De Amigo’s

Places To Stay Near Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

1. The Postcard Velha
2. Treebo Trip La Grande Residencia – Hotel in Goa
3. Old Goa Residency
4. Paradiso De Goa
5. OYO 12647 Swarnam
6. SPOT ON 36499 Shubhankar Heritage

Other Popular Churches in Goa

After visiting the Church of Our Lady of the Mount, don’t miss the opportunity to explore some of the best churches in Goa. Some are famous for their rich history, while others are known for their pretty statues of Jesus. Whichever church you decide to visit, make sure to fully enjoy your time exploring these beautiful sites!

Other Churches in Goa

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