Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

About Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church Goa

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Goa, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is situated on a hilltop in Panaji. The white sparkling church is majorly famed for its architecture and its flight of stairs that zigzag to the top. Another attraction of the church is the Augustinian Bell located in the belfry, which also the second largest bell in Goa.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is also called by the people as the ‘Crown of Panaji’, a ‘great big wedding cake’ like structure and ‘a bride waiting at the altar. This popular church in Goa has also been the backdrop in many of the Bollywood films. In December, a one-day feast of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year with pomp and show making it a must-see.

History of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

The history of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception states that the original structure built here first was a chapel in 1541 for the sailors to pay their gratitude for being able to reach safely before heading to Old Goa or Velha Goa. The chapel, later in 1619 was rebuilt into a church that still stands today.

Architecture of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

The architecture of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is a mix of Portuguese-Baroque and Goan style. The facade is adorned with two towers and a tall belfry in which is positioned the Augustinian bell.

Major Highlights of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

• The Augustinian bell in the main belfry
• Zigzag flight of stairs
• Panaji’s view from the church steps
• View of the church after sunset when the façade is lit by a multitude of lights
• Statue of St. Francis Xavier amidst the reredos
• Two towers on either side of the façade
• Carved altars and pulpits
• Marble statues of St. Peter and St. Paul
• Chapel of St. Francis Xavier

Visiting Time of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

Monday to Sunday: 9.00am – 12.30pm and 3.30pm – 7.30pm

How to Reach Our Lady of Immaculate Conception?

The Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is situated around 1.6 km from Panaji Market. One can easily get an auto-rickshaw to reach the church. One can also choose to walk from several parts of Panaji to visit Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.