Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is structured in a very colonial Portuguese style and it was built in the year 1541 as a chapel. This church overlooks the capital city of Goa and receives a chain of visitors almost throughout the year. However, the structure has gone through a fee replacement and the smaller and older structure was replaced by a bigger church in the 1600s. Its exterior of this church is in a sparkling color of white and you will not be able to take your eyes off the structure. The antiquity of the church is preserved and maintained well, which is why the church still retains the charm.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

For people who love exploring history and culture, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church will be the best place to unfold the history and monumental charm in the capital city of Goa. Panjim is well-connected with most of travel routes, railway stations, and airports. The outer look of the church looks even better during the afternoon when the milky white structure is eliminated under golden sunlight.

Quick Glance

This church is functional and there are regular Masses. Here is the following timing which it occurs on.

Sunday – 7:00 am, 8:15 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 am and 5:30 pm

The public can visit the church every day during 9:00 am – 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

Claim to Fame

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception has a very famous ancient bell that is picked from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace. It is the second-largest bell in Goa.

Pure White Exterior with the Bell

Pure White Exterior with the Bell

The exterior white paint over the church reflects a very elegant example of Portuguese Baroque style architectural elements. The bright white painting of the structure represents Virgin Mary; there is a tall belfry which is said to house the bell from the Augustinian Monastery. This symbol of the church is visible from most of the ends of the church and it’s also called the Crown of Panjim. The structure of the church has however been through many renovations and remodeling.

Exquisite Interior and Art

Apart from the beautiful exterior of this church, you will also be completely in love with the extended interior and art in the church. You will find the interior to be quite simpler than any other church in Goa. The other churches have heavy carvings and are decorated brilliantly; this is most common in Old Goa. However, when you will come to see Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, you will notice that the designs are skillfully carved in all parts of the church.

This church has dedicated the main altar to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Nossa Senhora da Immaculada Conceicao in Portuguese. The other parts are also dedicated to other saints, such as the left altar is dedicated to the Crucifixion of Christ while the right alters to Our Lady of the Rosary.

The Festival

The Church also celebrates a festival on December 8th; the festival begins with a feast. The celebration lasts for around nine days, during this time the church is decorated with glittering lights and flowers insides. The ceiling is said to be decorated with blue and white flowers.

Another interesting thing about the celebration is that after the feast, people go inside with brass bands and candles asking for the intercession from Our Lasy. Apart from the candle lighting, you will also find people selling miniature statuettes, garments, souvenirs, food and drink stalls.

Church Etiquettes

You must have a certain idea about visiting Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, especially those who are planning to visit it for the first time. You just have to be aware of certain important perspectives to avoid interrupting the worship of devotees.

Observe the Church Etiquettes

• Arrive on Time

It’s best to reach the church before the grace and prayer unless you are interrupted by the concentration of other devotees.

• Greeting at the Door

Be polite with the people who meet you at the door and you might be expected to shake hands.

• Voices and Talking

Don’t be very loud when you are inside the church, you must maintain your voice because no one wants to hear gossip and loud noise in the place of worship.

• Dress Appropriately

There is nothing to mention when it comes to this point, you just have to dress decently and not like a hipster ready to visit a rave party in Disco Valley.

Let’s say these points will help you keep a straight face at the church, and don’t forget to do what you are especially traveling to do at the church, PRAY.

Reaching the Church

From Nearest Airport

The closest airport to Panjim is Goa Airport (GOI), 12.4 km/7.7 miles

Expected time for traveling- 37-45 minutes

Approximate fare by car- INR 700-900

Approximate fare by bus- INR 35-150

Approximate fare by drive- INR 190-290

From Nearest Railway Station

Margao Railway Station is the nearest and is located 39 kilometers from Panjim city. Trains to Panjim are available from all major railway stations.

Expected time for traveling- 1 hour 4 minutes

Approximate fare by car- INR 1,000-1,300

Approximate fare by bus- INR 35-55

Approximate fare by drive- INR 250-370

There is some other railway station closest to Panjim, from Karmali, Dabolim, and Vasco-Da-Gama railway station.

If you are planning to take a spiritual tour in Goa, then don’t forget to add Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in your itinerary, this place will astonish and entertain you at the same time. However, do follow and respect the rules and requirements of entering a church.