Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount - Atlas Obscura
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Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount

Velha Goa, India

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

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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)
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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.

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