Nunnery of Santa Monica Church

About Nunnery of Santa Monica Church Goa

Named after St Monica, the mother of St Augustine, the Nunnery of Santa Monica is located on the hill behind the popular church in Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus. The convent is primarily famous for being the first nunnery in the east and housing the Miraculous or Weeping Cross in one of the chapels. Back in the days, the nunnery could accommodate 250 people at a time. Today this convent has been converted into the Museum of Christian Art and is a must-visit in Goa.

On February 8, 1636, the statue of Christ on the Cross of Miracles housed here is believed to have opened its eyes and blood flowed from the wounds as if it were living. The same miracle took place again four days later in the presence of the Viceroy, Archbishop and other church officials.

History of Nunnery of Santa Monica Church

The history of Nunnery of Santa Monica states that the foundation stone was laid in 1606 by the Archbishop Aleixo de Menezes and the construction completed in 1627.

Architecture of Nunnery of Santa Monica Church

The architecture of Nunnery of Santa Monica has an influence of Tuscan, Corinthian, and composite styles. The church has the statue of Santa Monica and the symbol of the holy ghost. In the convent, the must -see are the symbols of the Eucharist, the Paschal Lamb and Holy Ghost along with an inscription. The walls of the convent are built so strong that once relative strength of other buildings was measured against it.

Highlights of Nunnery of Santa Monica Church

• Miraculous or Weeping Cross
• The symbols of the Eucharist, the Paschal Lamb and Holy Ghost
• Statue of Santa Monica
• Museum of Christian Art

Visiting Time of Santa Monica Church

Monday to Sunday: 9:30AM to 5:00PM

How to Reach Nunnery of Santa Monica?

Nunnery of Santa Monica is located around 11 km from Panaji via Ponte de Linhares Causeway. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available from Panaji to reach Nunnery of Santa Monica.