Nossa Senhora Mae De Deus Church

About Nossa Senhora Mae De Deus Church

About Nossa Senhora Mae De Deus Church

Contact Number:

Visiting Time:

Open on all days of the week from 8 AM the morning to 11.30 at night.

Interesting Things to See and Find in Church of St Francis of Assisi:

You can see beautiful architecture and photo friendly place.

Best time to visit Nossa Senhora Mae De Deus Church

November to February for cool, pleasant weather. Late afternoon for sunset views — the chapel faces west and offers the best panoramic view in Old Goa. The Monte Music Festival in November is a special time to visit.

Timings & opening hours

Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Sunday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Note: the chapel is often locked on regular days. It is reliably open during the Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December) and the Monte Music Festival (November). Evening Mass is celebrated on the 8th of every month. Check locally before heading up.

Entry fee & tickets

Free.

Duration needed

About 1 hour, including the climb and views.

Location info

Hilltop east of Old Goa, behind St. Cajetan Church — also called Our Lady of the Mount Chapel.

Safety tips

Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear — the stone steps can be slippery. Carry water and a hat in summer — there are no drinking water facilities on site. Plastic carry bags are not allowed.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes with grip, water bottle, hat and sunscreen, camera for panoramic views, and modest clothing.

Nearby visiting places

St. Cajetan Church (at the base of the hill), Se Cathedral (about 500 m), Basilica of Bom Jesus (about 700 m), Viceroy’s Arch, and panoramic views of Divar Island and Chorao Island.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Old Goa bus stop is at the base of the hill. Panaji is about 11 km.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide coverage across Goa. In beach areas and towns, 4G is generally reliable. Coverage may be weaker in remote interior locations or along certain coastal stretches. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Old Goa has a few small eateries and snack stalls near the church complex. For a proper meal, Panaji (about 10 km away) offers a wide range of restaurants, from Goan cuisine to multi-cuisine dining.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Panaji (about 10 km from Old Goa) has the widest range of accommodation, from heritage guesthouses in Fontainhas to modern hotels. Beach areas (Calangute, Candolim) are about 20–25 km away.

History of Nossa Senhora Mae De Deus Church

Built between 1510 and 1519 by Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese governor, after the conquest of Goa in 1510. During the battle, Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur had placed his artillery on this hilltop to defend against the Portuguese. After winning, Albuquerque built the chapel to mark the strategic importance of the site. It is also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. The architectural style is Baroque with Mannerist influences, built of laterite stone plastered with lime mortar and whitewashed. It fell into ruin over the centuries and was restored in 2001 by Fundação Oriente and the Goa state government.

Things to do at Nossa Senhora Mae De Deus Church

Enjoy the best panoramic view in Old Goa — sweeping vistas of the Mandovi River, Divar Island, Chorao Island, and all the Old Goa churches laid out below. Photograph the sweeping vista, especially at sunset. Attend the Monte Music Festival (November). Photograph the chapel and the large cross in the churchyard.

Things to visit & highlights

The panoramic viewpoint — the best in Old Goa. The 500-year-old chapel (the oldest Portuguese-built church in Goa, 1519). The large cross in the churchyard. The view of Divar and Chorao islands.

Climate & weather

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November–February) is the peak tourist season: temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C with low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas — ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer (March–May) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C; beaches are less crowded but midday heat can be intense. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and high humidity; many beach shacks close, but the landscape is lush and green, and it is the quietest time for those seeking solitude.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police (Old Goa): +91-832-2285116. Ambulance: 108.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located on the Panaji–Old Goa road, about 3–5 km from the hill.

Frequently asked questions

Is Our Lady of the Mount Chapel always open? No — it is often locked on regular days. It is reliably open during the Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December) and the Monte Music Festival (November). Check locally before visiting.

Is the climb difficult? There is a series of stone steps — about 100 m of preserved steps. It is manageable for most people but requires comfortable, non-slip footwear.

Why visit if the chapel is locked? The panoramic view from the hilltop is the best in Old Goa and is worth the climb by itself — especially at sunset.

Accessibility

Most churches in Goa have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic churches listed as UNESCO sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance. Most churches welcome assistance animals.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

The white Baroque facades photograph best in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the sun is at an angle. Interiors are often dimly lit — a fast lens or higher ISO helps. Altars and stained-glass windows are the key subjects. Many churches illuminate their facades at night — evening shots of lit-up white churches against dark skies are stunning. Use a wide-angle lens for interiors, and always check the photography policy (flash is usually prohibited).

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.