Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is a brilliant Portuguese church in Goa.
Located in Panjim, this chapel is the epitome of Portuguese Baroque style.
The church sits atop a small hill, with a double flight of stairs zigzagging its way to the top, almost like a twisted stairway to heaven. And when you finally reach the summit, you’re greeted with a view that is nothing short of spectacular. The sunset in the background and the church lit up at night is a sight that’ll soothe your soul.
Now, let’s talk about the bells. These are the second largest church bells in Goa and they have quite a history behind them. Rumor has it that they were removed from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace, that once stood in Old Goa. Talk about recycling!
But the real magic happens inside the church. While the exterior may be painted an immaculate white to represent the Virgin Mary, the interior is a riot of colors. Although, to be fair, it’s not as grand as some of the other churches in the area, it’s still a feast for the eyes. The main altar is dedicated to Mother Mary, with altars on either side dedicated to Jesus’ Crucifixion and Our Lady of the Rosary. And let’s not forget the statues of St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Francis Xavier that flank them.
But wait, there’s more! If you happen to be in Goa on December 8th, then you’re in for a treat. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception celebrates a festival with great fervor. There’s a grand fair with music, food and fireworks. And the church is lit up with bright lights and adorned with blue and white flowers, representing the church and Our Lady’s colors.