The church bell was relocated to this site from the former Augustinian Monastery in Old Goa.
The zig-zag staircase design was added in the mid-19th century to accommodate the steep incline of the hill.
It is the first church in Goa where sailors would offer prayers of gratitude for a safe sea voyage upon arriving in the colony.
The church was officially elevated to a parish in 1600 before the current building was completed.
During the annual feast held in December, the church exterior is decorated with elaborate lights.
The main altar is gilded in gold, a traditional feature of 17th-century Goan churches.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is a prominent Baroque-style landmark situated on a hillside in the heart of Panaji. Originally built as a small chapel in 1541, it was reconstructed in its current form in 1619 to serve Portuguese sailors arriving from Lisbon. The facade features two distinctively large symmetrical staircases that zigzag up the slope leading to the main entrance. The interior houses an altar dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, which is flanked by two smaller altars dedicated to Jesus and the Rosary. The church bell, weighing 2,250 kilograms, is the second-largest in Goa and was salvaged from the ruins of the Old Goa Cathedral. The building's bright white exterior is illuminated by floodlights during the evenings. It remains an active parish church serving the local Catholic community in Panjim. The structure exemplifies colonial-era Portuguese architecture, characterized by its clean lines and minimalist interior ornamentation.
From the ground level of the square looking upward at the symmetrical zig-zag staircases.
Walk to the top of the church stairs for a clear vantage point of the Panaji city skyline.
Visit during the early evening to see the church illuminated against the night sky.
Respect ongoing religious services by remaining silent and avoiding photography inside during mass.
Do not attempt to climb the stairs during heavy downpours as the stone can become slippery.
Very crowded on December 8th for the annual Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; remove footwear before entering the interior sanctuary.
