About Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount, Goa

Posted on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 by Neha Sharma

Parsing the tryst of Goa with heritage and history, Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte is one of the oldest churches in Goa. Church of Our Lady of the Mount is the most popular church in Goa for people looking for isolation and peace. Right next to the Se Cathedral, this church offers panoramic views of the old Goa, Mandovi River, and Chorão Island amidst the fresh ambience of the surrounding hills.

Located in Goa Velha, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount is a 16th-century church that is famous for its religious significance and picturesque location. The church is also popular for its ‘Monte Music Festival’ of Indian and Western music. This four-day festival held in February has made it a gem-packed for music lovers.

Surrounded by the lush greenery and scenic views, this beautiful church in Goa is also known for the best sunsets you have ever experienced. Near the Chapel of St. Catherine, the high view of the Our Lady of the Mount Church on the hill and this strategic location has its own significance!

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History of Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte is a Roman Catholic church built between 1510 and 1519. Located in Old Goa, India, this historical architecture is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was constructed near to Chapel of St. Catherine on the order of the governor of Portuguese India, Afonso de Albuquerque, after his victory over the Goan Muslim ruler Adil Shah in 1510.

Many years after Afonso de Albuquerque’s conquest of Goa, the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount was built to mark the spot where Adil Shah’s artillery had taken place. In 1931, the Archaeological Committee of Portuguese placed an inscription on the marble, which said – “Muslim Leader – Mohammad artillery stood here against Alfonso de Albuquerque to recapture Goa in 1510.”

Architecture of Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

Built with Laterite stone in the Mannerist style, this church has walls of 2.7 meters thick and the roof of the church is made of Mangalore tiles. This Church of the Virgin Mary resembles the Se Cathedral from the façade, to which it was subordinate. It has three sections, the ground floor has entrances with crowns of windows and a triangular pediment on the upper part. The upper part is a central panel that surrounds the wings and hides the gable roof of the chapel.

Several additions have been made to the chapel over the years, the first of which is a two-story loggia attached to the north wall of the church. Some extensions were built against the eastern façade and the north-eastern wall.

The church chancel has three altars, the centre of the main altar has the image of Our Lady of the Mount holding the baby Jesus. Above it is a picture of the coronation of the Virgin Mary and below it is a picture of Our Lady of the Assumption. At the base, there are statues of St. Vincent with a ship and St. Lawrence with a gridiron, symbolizing his martyrdom, and 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 located on the top of the hilltop behind the Chapel of St. Catherine. It can also be reached by a narrow road surrounded by lush greenery. You can book a flight to Goa, take a train or drive your own vehicle to reach the church from your location.

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

Goa International Airport at Dabolim, Goa is the nearest airport to the Our Lady of the Mount Church. Dabolim Airport has two terminals, where Terminal 1 is opened for domestic flights and Terminal 2 serves flights for international routes. From here, you can take a taxi, book a cab or take public transportation for cheap fares available at the airport.

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 get to the chapel, you’ll have to climb a narrow road past the St. Cajetan Church, after the Se Cathedral. The Church of Our Lady of the Mount can be reached by road from Panjim via NH748 and Vasco da Gama via NH366. You can book a cab or taxi for a comfortable journey, or take a public bus from your location for the cheapest journey!

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

At a distance of 3.2 km (approx), Karmali Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. Karmali is a well-connected railway station to all the major cities of the country. On reaching here, you can easily get an auto, taxi or bus from the nearest stop to the church.

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

The Church of Our Lady of the Mount, located in Goa Velha, is a very beautiful building of the Portuguese era. At a distance of about 13 km from Panjim, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount is on the top of a wood hill. It takes approximately 23 minutes to reach the church from the capital of Goa via NH748 and you can easily cover this distance by Bus, Taxi/Cab or Auto

Best Time To Visit Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

Being situated on the hilltop, it offers pleasant weather almost every month of the year. In summer, you will be amazed by the beautiful views of Chorão Island along with the views of the Mandovi River.

The month of November-February is the time to enjoy a walk through the narrow green road to the church. And, it is the strong monsoon season to enjoy the mild chill and heavy flow of the Mandovi River from the church.

The Monte Music Festival is the best time to visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount. Held in November, this 4-day event will give you the taste and beauty of Indian classical and western classical music.

Places To Visit Near Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

1. The Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah: A stone gateway of volcanic rock, Adil Shah’s Palace Gate is a notable landmark near the Mandovi River in Goa. It was a part of the palace of Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur Kingdom. Surrounded by trees, this place is the only remnant of a 16th-century empire!
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is 1.3 km.
2. Viceroy’s Arch: The Viceroy’s Arch, built by Francisco da Gama in 1599, was once the main entrance to Old Goa. It was built as a monument to the achievements of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama. The arch was rebuilt in 1954 with a statue of Vasco da Gama on the side of the river and a statue of St. Catherine on the other side.
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is 1.3 km.
3. Archaeological Museum of Goa: It is a small historical museum that houses ancient artefacts excavated, stamps as well as paintings from the colonial period. Its treasury is divided into eight galleries, the most important of which are the portraits of the Viceroys and Governors of Goa. 
   Distance from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is 1.5 km.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

• Greenyard Restaurant & Bar
• Annapurna Restaurant
• Shambhavi Restaurant
• Palm Groove Bar & Restaurant
• Restaurante De Amigo’s

Places To Stay Near Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount

• The Postcard Velha
• Treebo Trip La Grande Residencia – Hotel in Goa
• Old Goa Residency
• Paradiso De Goa
• OYO 12647 Swarnam
• SPOT ON 36499 Shubhankar Heritage

Other Popular Churches in Goa

Here are the best churches in Goa that you can explore after your visit to Church of Our Lady of the Mount. While some churches are known for their history, others for their Jesus’ statue. Whatever church you choose, be sure to make the most of your tourism. 

Other Churches in Goa

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the major attractions of the Our Lady of the Mount Church?

A: The Church of Our Lady of the Mount is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and you will also find some other pictures and statues here such as:

Our Lady of the Mount holding the baby Jesus
Our Lady of the Assumption
Statue of St. Vincent with a ship
Statue of St. Lawrence with a gridiron
Statue of St. Anthony.

Q: How far is Baga Beach from the church?

A: Baga Beach is located at a distance of about 26.4 km from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. It takes about 47-50 minutes to cover the distance between these two places.

Q: What type of tourism is Goa known for?

A: Indian Tourism is as diverse as the cultures in the country. Goa, however, is famous for its adventures.

Q: How long does it take to get from the Church of Our Lady of the Mount to the Basilica of Bom Jesus?

A: The Basilica of Bom Jesus Church is home to the tomb of St Francis Xavier which is located 1.6 km (approx.) from the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount.

Q: Why is the Monte Music Festival the most important event in the church?

A: With a unique blend of Indian and Western religious and local artists, Monte Music Festival is celebrated every year in the month of November with cultural heritage, music and dance.

Q: Why is the Church of Our Lady of the Mount known as a popular destination to visit?

A: With simple architecture and renowned historical significance, it is one of the most important treasures of the Portuguese era. Its surrounding beauty presents a delightful picture at sunset, and the top of the hill offers a truly breathtaking view.