Church Of Our Lady Of Rosary A Place Of Worship
The smallest state in India, Goa, is set on the western coast of the country
. The state is one of the top tourist attractions in India nestling inviting beaches and world heritage sites. Majority of Goans follow Hinduism, while others follow Christianity and Islam among other religions. Goa is famous for its religious and cultural coexistence proven evidently through its various places of worship including temples and churches.
Most churches in Goa dates back to the Portuguese colonial times, flaunting impressive architecture and captivating ornamentation. The state is home to a historical city named Old Goa in its North Goa District, where a single mountain is home to several churches. This is the Holy Hill snuggling one of the oldest churches in Goa, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary.
This church sits near the world famous Basilica of Bom Jesus and can be accessed by taking an uphill hike along the western slope of Holy Hill. Church of Our Lady of Rosary is said to have been built in the 16th century and has been managed by the Franciscans since 1544. It is said that Saint Francis Xavier delivered catechism on evenings in this church to the devout villagers.
The churchs location too has an immense historical importance as it is the very site where Alfonso de Albuquerque defeated the troops of Bijapur Sultan in 1510. Alfonso was a Portuguese nobleman and military leader who successfully conquered India and formed a colonial empire.
As soon as you spot the church you might get the vibes of a formidable fortress, as it features openings across its walls to watch out for invaders. The church follows Manueline style, a form of composite Portuguese architecture, blending in Gothic and renaissance styles. The cross shaped church houses three altars and two chapels while two rounded towers flank its entrance. The main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary also known as Nossa Senhora de Rozario.
In contrast to its humble exterior, the interior of the church is impressively lavish in Gothic artistry. The ornamentation within the church seems to have been inspired by the localitys multicultural essence. As you explore more you will discover a vase with some Gujarati art besides mango, cashew and floral motifs adorning its altar. Near one of its altars you will find the tombstones of a former governor of Goa, Garcia de Sa and his wife Donna Caterina.
A tour in Goa is not complete without discovering the Portuguese influence of the area. Hence a visit to the Church of Our Lady of Rosary will be ideal for history buffs and even others. Stay at a Goa beach hotel like The Leela Kempinski Goa if you prefer a holiday with seaside golf courses and a white sandy beach packed with exciting water sports. This luxury
beach hotel Goa is a perfect getaway from the mundane busy city life, and rests only 40 kilometres from the capital of Goa, Panjim. The Leela Kempinski Goa is one of the best
Goa hotels offering luxury rooms and suites complemented with striking vistas of the lagoon, sea and the golf courses.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
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