Margao-Rachol Seminary tour is one of the popular weekend tours from Margao. Rachol Seminary is situated about 12 kilometers from Margao in Salcete Taluka in the southern part of Goa. Situated about 40 kilometers from Panaji, the church was established in 1521. The seminary is known to house the museum of Christian Art.

Rachol Seminary is known for its religious activities. It is among the first seminaries in Bardez side. The College of Ignatius Loyola was established in 1580. Capuchins is also said to have established the University of Arts, Science and Technology. In 1759, Archbishop da Silveira declared it as a diocesan Seminary. The seminary is associate with Father Thomas Stephen. Father Thomas Stephen was the first to arrive in the territory in 1579. It is also associated with Fr Diogo Ribeiro and Fr Agnelo de Souza. Fr Agnela de Souza was appointed by the Archbishop, as the Spiritual Director of the seminary in 1899.

One can come across a fort near the seminary. The fort was built by the emperor of Vijaynagar and Ismail Adil Khan, the Sultan of Bijapur in 1520. It helped the Portuguese to run their activities safely. Close to the fort, there is a church dedicated to Nossa senhora das Neves. Rachol Parish Church, as it is presently called, is one the prime attractions of Margao.

Thus, it is evident, Margao-Rachol Seminary tour helps the tourists to explore the beauteous sites of the territory.

Last Updated on 20 September 2011