Church Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, Goa

Passing beneath the buttresses of the Convent of St Monica, about 250m further along the road is the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, which stands on the top of a high bluff. It’s one of the earliest churches in Goa; legend has it that Afonso de Albuquerque surveyed the action during his troops’ attack on the Muslim city from this bluff and vowed to build a church there in thanks for his victory.

It’s also thought to be here that St Francis Xavier gave his first sermon upon his arrival in Old Goa. The church, which has been beautifully restored, is Manueline in style and refreshingly simple in design. There are excellent views of the Mandovi River and Divar Island from the church’s dramatic position, but unfortunately, the building is frequently locked.

The only ornaments on the outside of the church are simple rope-twist devices, which bear testimony to Portugal’s reliance on the sea. Inside the same is true; the reredos (ornamental screen) is wonderfully plain after all the gold decorating in the churches down in the center of Old Goa, and the roof consists simply of a layer of tiles. Set into the floor in front of the altar is the tombstone of one of Goa’s early governors, Garcia de Sá, and set into the northern wall of the chancel is that of his wife, Caterina a Piró.

History

Although there are no literature works to back up, it is believed that this chapel was built under the order of Afonso de Albuquerque after the battle that led to Goa being re-captured by the Portuguese army. Thus, this is considered the first church of Goa. There is very little information available about the construction of the building. The earliest literature evidence mentions about three parishes of three churches including the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary built in the capital of Portugal colony of India, Goa. Thus, it is assumed to be built in 1544. However, there are letters written between the municipality of Goa and the king of Portuguese in 1549 about a new chapel built in the place of an old one. These confusing pieces of evidence make the overall information, very cloudy.

This church used to be an important pilgrimage site and politically important structure in Goa. However, in 1843 when the Portuguese shifted its headquarters in Goa from Old Goa to the region, which is now considered as New Goa, the building lost its importance. Later, in 1897, the church underwent its last renovation. The church was opened for the public again in 1899.

Architecture

The church is considered one of the best-preserved monuments of colonial times in Goa. This is the only structure of Goa, which has many medieval-styled designs in its architecture. The church has three levels and two porticos. It has round-edged towers with crowns, crosses, and cupolas. The windows are located far higher from the ground and it has a more fortress look than a church structure. You can find Indian-styled manual designs on the exterior parts of the church. The front corners of the church have cylinder-shaped buttresses.

The church has two chapels and one nave. The nave leads to the main altar. On either side of the main altar, you will find a smaller one. The main altar has a statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. The interior of the church has a heavy influence on the Gothic architectural style. The main room is built in the Manueline style. You will find a tombstone inside the church, which belongs to Garcia de Sa and his wife.