Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount

Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese general, ordered the construction of this chapel, following up on a vow he took during the battle against the Deccan Sultanate. Since its construction started in 1510 CE, immediately after the conquest, it is believed to be one of the earliest chapels built in Old Goa. Dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary, it is best known as the venue for the annual Monte Music Festival, held in the month of November. The unique festival is a celebration of classical traditions from Indian and Western music. Performances, spread over four evenings, are organized in the courtyard, amphitheatre and the chapel itself. For the rest of the year though, the building may remain relatively isolated and the staircase leading up from the street may be covered with greens or dry leaves.
Similar to the site for St. Augustine's Tower and the Church of Our Lady of Rosary over Monte Santo or Holy Hill, the Chapel of Our lady of the Mount is located over a hill that is diametrically opposite to it. From the Mahatma Gandhi circle, it is an easy drive uphill plus a flight of stairs, totalling about 15-20 minutes. While here, you may also want to visit the nearby ruins of Church of the Carmelites that was built by the Italians. The compound offers stunning views of Mandovi river, the nearby Divar Island and of Old Goa itself. Facing west, it is an ideal place to enjoy sunsets.