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.
