Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount Goa Entry Fee
- No entry fee
Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount Goa Phone
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Based on total 18 reviews
Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount Goa Address: Old Goa, Goa, 403402, India
Perched on a hill, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. With simple exteriors, lavish interiors, and a wealth of historical significance, this chapel is a hidden treasure in Goa.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Goa is one of the oldest churches in the city, existing since 1519. And the most striking feature of the church is its setting. The whitewashed building presents a delightful picture during the sunset hours.
The chapel is on top of a hill in Old Goa, overlooking the River Mandovi. A series of stone steps lead up to the monument from the road. The hilltop offers an excellent vantage point from which you can view the locality. From the top, you can see an entire expanse of Old Goa with all its treasured churches.
History of Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount
The chapel was built on the order of Afonso de Albuquerque, the governor of Portuguese India after he conquered Goa. He took it over from Adil Shah in 1510 and started building the chapel in this strategic location as a lofty lookout.
The chapel was completed in 1519. However, its secluded location has often left it overlooked, and it has been reconstructed twice. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount was also renovated later in 2001, and it now stands in the current pristine environment, attracting tourists from around the world.
Things to do in Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount
1. Marvelling at the architecture – Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount is a treasure of Goan heritage. It’s an impressive Mannerist-style structure with a blend of Tuscan, Manueline and Baroque styles. Whether carved gravestones, gilded woodwork, or murals of St. Francis's life, all elements whisper tales from the past. The hill also has a marble inscription marking where Mohammedan artillery once stood against Afonso de Albuquerque to retake Goa.
2. Soaking in panoramic views – The hilltop offers a breathtaking panorama that stretches as far as the eye can see. The Old Goan townscape unfolds before you, with River Mandovi in tow. It’s the perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. You can watch the sky transform into a canvas of oranges and pinks as the sun dips lower. The place has even been part of a few Bollywood movie shoots.
3. Experiencing the Monte Music Festival – If you visit the chapel in November, you might be able to enjoy a harmony of Indian and Western classical music at the Monte Music Festival. This annual event, organised in cooperation with the Kala Academy, is a true feast for music lovers. For four magical days, the chapel grounds come alive with talented artists showcasing their musical prowess.
Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount Timings and Entry Fees
The chapel is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day, and the hilltop can be explored in about an hour. The best time to visit is during winter (from November to February) when the weather is the most comfortable for exploration.
Image Gallery of Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Goa
Entry to the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Goa is free.
How to reach the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Goa?
This church is on the hill behind St. Cajetan Church in Old Goa. It’s 37 km from Madgaon railway station and 31 km from Margao bus terminal. Panjim bus stand is closer, only 11 km away. The airport in Dabolim is 27 km from the church.
Now, here’s how to reach Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount –
By bus – Buses are available at regular intervals from Panjim bus stand. The nearest bus stop is Old Goa, a little over 1 km away. From there, you can take an auto or taxi to the chapel.
By bike – Taking a rental bike is another common way to visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount. Bikes and mopeds are available for hire throughout Goa.
By taxi/cab – A taxi/cab is the most comfortable option for visiting the church. You can easily hire a cab from the top car rentals in Goa.
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