The Chapel of St. Catherine – Velha Goa, India - Atlas Obscura
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The Chapel of St. Catherine

Velha Goa, India

This chapel was built by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510 to commemorate his entry into the city of Goa on St. Catherine’s Day. 

The Chapel of St. Catherine View all photos
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
The Chapel of St. Catherine
The Chapel of St. Catherine Vivek Gadre (Atlas Obscura User)
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In Old Goa, near the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, there stands a small structure facing north towards the Mandovi River. This historic building is probably the oldest church in Old Goa.

It’s known as the Chapel of St. Catherine. It was constructed immediately after the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510. Formerly, on this spot, there stood a gate through which the Portuguese entered the city. Afonso de Albuquerque built the chapel commemorating his entry into Goa on St. Catherine’s Day.

On the side, there is an old stone inscription on the wall that describes the above-mentioned event. It also mentions that the chapel was later enlarged in 1550 by the then Governor George Cabral.

It’s believed that this stone slab was once located over the chapel’s door. Later, it was shifted over to the wall near the side door.

Know Before You Go

Right in front of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, there is a cross. A narrow path goes north from this cross, and leads to the chapel.

churches history & culture architecture
Nearby
Collection of Old Engraved Stones
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Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi
0.05 miles
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