Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount

Velha Goa, India

This 16th-century hilltop chapel is one of the oldest churches in Old Goa. 

View all photos
The steps leading up to the church on the hill Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The steps leading up to the church on the hill Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
An information plaque about the restoration of the church Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
A view of Old Goa from the hill Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
8
8
Top Places in Velha Goa
The exterior of the church.
Church of St. Cajetan
Velha Goa, India
Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah
Velha Goa, India
Church of St. Augustine
Velha Goa, India
 See All

To the east of Old Goa, a small road leads up a hill where an old church overlooks the hilltop vista. From a distance, the most striking feature of this church, known as the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, is its setting. Stone steps lead up to the church from the bottom of the hill.

Afonso de Albuquerque built the church between 1510 and 1519 after the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510. According to historical sources, during the battle between Adil Shah and Afonso de Albuquerque, Adil Shah positioned his artillery on this hill. After the battle, Afonso built the church here due to the importance of the hill’s strategic location.

From the hill, one can get a fantastic view of the Mandovi river and Divar Island to the north and the rest of the churches of Old Goa to the west. The shade of the church’s nearby trees makes this spot a cool, windy, and beautiful spot on hot sunny days.

Many Bollywood films have used the church as a backdrop.

Know Before You Go

This church is in a slightly secluded location on a hill to the east of the other churches of Old Goa. A road leads up the hill. The chapel is open to visitors Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday 9am to 12pm.

film locations colonialism mountains medieval war history churches
Nearby
The Convent of St. Dominic's Cross
0.38 miles
Convent of the Discalced Carmelites
0.42 miles
Gate of St. Paul's College
0.49 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Velha Goa, India

The Convent of St. Dominic's Cross

The only surviving relic of the abandoned Dominican convent.
Convent of the Discalced Carmelites
Velha Goa, India

Convent of the Discalced Carmelites

The ruins of a 17th-century Carmelite Convent atop a hill in Old Goa.
Velha Goa, India

Gate of St. Paul's College

All that remains of a 16th-century Jesuit school is this carved, worn gate.
Velha Goa, India

The Arch of Conception

One of the few surviving gates into Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India.
Related Places
Jolon, California

Mission San Antonio de Padua

This mission, established in 1771, is the most remote of California’s Franciscan missions.
Mumbai, India

Afghan Church

A 19th-century church in South Mumbai built to commemorate those who died in the First Anglo-Afghan War and the retreat from Kabul in 1842.
The mark here is across the left cheek and the brow.
Lichfield, England

Damaged Faces of Lichfield Cathedral

These medieval carvings bear scars left by Parliamentarian troops during the English Civil War.
Birkenhead, England

Birkenhead Priory

The oldest standing building on Merseyside is special for its rich history as a Benedictine monastery and its unique connection to the origins of the Mersey Ferry.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web