Church of Lady Rosary

Location : Old Goa, 10 kms from Panaji
Year of Construction : 1544-1549
Style of Architecture : Manueline
Timings : Open 9 am - 5.30 pm, all weekdays
About the Church
Not far to the west of the Basilica de Bom Jesus is the Holy Hill (Monte de Boa Vista) atop which is the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, overlooking the Mandovi River and Divar island. From Basilica de Bom Jesus, take the road which goes up the hill in southern direction, cross the school and library and take right at the Convent of St. John of God, now you are outside the Church of Lady Rosary.

One of the first built churches in Goa, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary was the imagination of the Alfonso de Albuquerque. The Church of Lady Rosary, was constructed in fulfillment of a vow taken by Alfonso de Albuquerque in 1510, while watching the defeat of Sultan of Bijapur, Adil Shah from the same spot on which the church stands today. However, the vow could be fulfilled only after his death, since the church was built in between 1544-1549. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary marked the first triumph of Portuguese in Goa.

Architecture of the Church
The Manueline style church made of laterite is simple in its design and plastered with lime mortar. It has a double-storeyed portico as well as facade, which have rounded towers on either side and a cross on top. With windows close to the roof and rounded towers, the Church of Lady Rosary looks more like a fortress. Its tiled roof is supported by wooden rafters, while in the rib-vault of the portico you will find the Gothic influence.

Interior of the Church
Cruciform in plan, the church has a square apse and just above the main entrance you will see the choir gallery. Enter inside the church, here you can see two chapels and three altars. In the decoration of the church, you will observe a distinct Hindu influence. The main altar which is dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary, is adorned with motifs like mangoes, cashew nuts and flowers. Move to the right of the main altar, there is a cenotaph of Dona Catarina. The cenotaph slightly protruding out of the wall, is decorated in Gujarati temple style with carved miniature pillars and Portuguese inscriptions.

Church of Lady Rosary Tour Packages

Goa Tour in India (05 Days) Features : Goa Tour in India takes you to the town of Old Goa on the second day of your trip. Churches are the major attractions of Old Goa and the Church of Lady Rosary is one of them. This tour offers you an opportunity to visit the Church of Lady Rosary which is located close to the Basilica de Bom Jesus and can be reached by a road connecting the two churches. Visit this Church to see the excellent work of old craftsmen.

	India by Day & Night (31 Days) Features : Day seven of India by Day and Night tour is meant for a trip to Old Goa. After reaching Old Goa, visit the Church of Lady Rosary which is one of the most popular churches of Goa. The Church of Lady Rosary is noted for its excellent architecture, which can be seen both in its exterior and interior.

	Rajasthan Heritage & Goa (22 Days) Features : On day 17 of Rajasthan Heritage and Goa you will visit Goa's old capital, Old Goa. During your trip to this town, you get a wonderful opportunity to see the magnificent Church of Lady Rosary. Visit this church on Rajasthan Heritage and Goa and see the excellent work of Portuguese craftsmen in its interior as well as exterior.

Best of South India (13 Days) Features : Churches are one of the main attractions of Goa, which attract large number of tourists visiting the state. Old Goa, the old hub of Portuguese empire, is home to around a dozen cathedrals and churches such as Se Cathedral church, Basilica De Bom Jesus, Church of Lady Rosary and Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. On Best of South India Tour, you may visit these popular churches of Goa.