Immaculate Conception Church & Reis Magos Fort, Goa

Our Lady of Immaculate - A Catholic Church
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

Our Lady of Immaculate  -  A Catholic Church
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church was one of the first church to be built in Goa, being there by 1541. The early church was completely re-built from its foundation in 1619 and this was even considered, taking into account of the negligible population of the area and the size of the new church, a striking commentary on the religious climate of the time and the wealth available to the churches.

Immaculate Conception Church in the background
Immaculate Conception Church in the background

The interior of the church is relatively simple by the standards of the time, although the backdrop to the main altar, dedicated to Mary Immaculate, is impressive. I particularly liked the two cupid statues hanging from the ceiling. However, it is the two flanking altars that catch the eyes, that on the left dedicated to Jesus Crucified and on the right to Our Lady of the Rosary.

Reis MagoFort

Reis Magos Fort in Goa
Reis Magos Fort

Reis Magos fort, surounded by sturdy laterite walls studded with typically Portuguese turrets, was erected in 1551 to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. It is situated on the south-eastern extremity of the tableland on the right bank of the Mandovi, in the province of Bardez. It was enlarged subsequently on different occasions and finally re-erected in 1707.
It is in a good state of preservation and defended by 33 guns and accommodation for a small garrison. This fort is very much visible from Panaji side of the Mandovi river. It was used as a residence for viceroys and later converted to a fortress. It was occupied briefly by the British army, later was subsequently abandoned by the military and served as a prison until recently.

 Three Kings church - A haunted place in Goa
Three Kings Church

There are more forts and churches in Old Goa waiting to be explored. Stay with me as I will take you to Old Goa now where the real essence of Portuguese culture lies.