Church of Our Lady of Rosary

Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese general, is said to have overseen his army's attack on the Islamic army of Deccan Sultanate, from the hill of Monte Santo. It is believed that he took a vow to build this church as a token of gratitude to Our Lady of Victory. As fate would have it, this vow by Afonso de Albuquerque could only be fulfilled after his death. Located on the Holy Hill, sharing a narrow access road with the Museum of Christian Art, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary offers a unique Manueline style. Built in the mid 16th century, this oldest surviving church in Goa is characterized by high-altitude windows and round towers that lend it the impression of a fortress. This relatively simple building, with two chapels and three altars, overlooks Mandovi river and the many vessels crossing it. The compound is nicely landscaped with lawn, shrubs and trees. This church is another one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Old Goa.