Church of Mae De Deus

About Mae De Deus Church in Goa

One of the prettiest churches, Church of Mae De Deus is situated in Saligao, Bardez. The popular church is set amidst picture perfect settings of Goa’s countryside and boasts Neo-Gothic architecture style. This popular church in Goa is known for housing the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus (Mother of God) brought from the ruins of the convent of Mae de Deus at Old Goa.

Amongst other attractions of this church in Goa is its gothic style spires. In the evening, all light up, Church of Mae De Deus looks quite a sight to see in Goa. On the first Sunday of the month of May, the church also celebrates the feast of Our Lady, Mother God. On this occasion, a grand procession followed by a firework display take place.

History of Church of Mae De Deus

The history of the Church of Mae De Deus tells that its foundation stone was laid on February 7, 1867 and it was inaugurated on November 26, 1873. The church was given the possession of the miraculous statue of Mae De Deus after the government order on June 20, 1865.

Architecture of Church of Mae De Deus

Church of Mae De Deus is the best example of Neo-Gothic architecture style in Goa. Amongst its distinctive features are its spires, each with a cross atop it. In the courtyard of the church is kept another statue of Mother God, but this one is made of black stone.

It is said that the church is built from the stones excavated from three different places. The black stones were brought from the ruins of the Mae de Deus convent in Daujim, the second batch of materials was received from the Chapel of Our Lady of Victory.

The walls of the church are supported by massive buttresses. The main door of the church is almost a full story high in domed shape. Above the portal is a niche in the façade where resides a statue of Our Lady.

Major Highlights of Church of Mae De Deus

• Miraculous statue of Mae de Deus
• Neo-Gothic architecture
• Illuminated view of after sundown
• Black stone statue of Mae de Deus
• Gilded and carved ornamentation inside the church
• Feast of Our Lady, Mother God (First Sunday of May)

Visiting Time of Church of Mae De Deus

Monday to Sunday: 9.00am to 12.30pm and from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.

How to Reach Church of Mae De Deus?

The Church of Mae De Deus is situated around 13.3 km from Panaji via Chogm Rd and NH 66. One can easily get a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Church of Mae De Deus from Panaji.