The “Crown of Panaji” is the unofficial name of the exquisitely beautiful Catholic church in the center of Goa’s capital, which can be seen in many Indian films.
This Indian land, which endured conquest and was a Portuguese colony for a long time, still displays a striking blend of cultures.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the people of Portugal and of military campaigns. At the beginning of the 16th century, a chapel in her honor appeared here, where sailors from the moored ships prayed for the safe completion of their voyages.
Then a church was built on the site of the chapel; it was rebuilt several times and acquired its present appearance in 1619. At the same time, the twin towers appeared here.
At the end of the 19th century, a staircase with several flights was added to the church. A 5-meter statue of the Virgin Mary appeared on the main landing of the staircase on December 8, the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, in 1954.
The bell tower of the church houses the second-largest bell in the state of Goa, which weighs more than two tons. It was cast in Lisbon and then brought here — first to the monastery of Old Goa, and then to this church.
The main altar in the church is, of course, dedicated to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, and the two side altars are dedicated to Jesus Christ and Our Lady of the Rosary. Inside the church there are also statues of St. Peter and St. Paul. Catholic services here are held in Hindi, English, and Portuguese.
