Our Lady Of Piety Church, Goa

Situated right opposite Tribal Museum, the Church of Our Lady of Piety is one of the oldest churches in the region. Built by the Portuguese in the latter part of the 18th century, the church is noted for its imposing Gothic architecture and bears a stark resemblance to Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, which was designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. The structure has grey exteriors built with stone and stands as a testament to the rich colonial past of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Main Altar of the church is truly magnificent and its wooden pews are also impressive. One of the walls of the church is decorated with a mural of the famous Last Supper, which is a great work of art. The stained glass windows of the church add to its grandeur. The church can be visited on all days of the week from 7 am to 7 pm.

History

The Church of Our Lady of Compassion is also known as Our Lady of Piety. This Church is located in Piedade which is located at the bottom of a small forested hill on Divar Island. The church designed by a Goan priest is known to be the first Christian structure erected here and dating from the early 18th century.
The original Lady Divar Church was dated from 1699 to 1724.

Architecture

The Church was rebuilt in impressive Indian baroque style. The exterior and the interior of the church are carved with beautiful flowers and motifs. The Church is white and looks heavenly. The interior features interesting stuccowork, Baroque plaster decorations, and altars. Some windows have been deeply set up in the walls of the church. To the south side of the Church of Our Lady of Compassion, one can see a remnant of the Kadamba era. There is a chapel enclosed in a tiny walled cemetery which is converted from the former Hindu shrine. The Ganesh temple was earlier housed here and after being demolished by the Portuguese the deity was later shifted to its present site at Candola. From this church, one can see the beautiful white Churches of Old Goa.