The Panaji Church or the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is located in the heart of Panaji City near the Municipal Garden. As history goes, the church was first built as a chapel in 1541 to serve the religious needs of Portuguese sailors at their first port of call as they disembarked before proceeding further.The Chapel was replaced by a bigger church in 1609 to minister to the sailors and the residents too. The distinctive feature of the Panaji church are the zigzag symmetrical stairs which were later added around the 18th century. The church also houses the second largest bell in Goa. The exterior of the church proudly displays architectural elements of the baroque style. The interior of the church sees the main altar dedicated to Mother Mary.

The Church Feast
On the 8th of December the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is celebrated with great solemnity in Panjim. The church during this time is colorfully illuminated.The occasion calls for big fairs to be laid out in the thoroughfares and roads around the church. The fairs run for several days before and after the feast, displaying all sorts of articles ranging from furniture to condiments, utensils, toys, clothes etc.

When visiting the church, do visit Fontainhas in Panaji and the Goa State Museum, which is nearby.

Chapels affiliated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim
St.Sebastian chapel, Fontainhas
St.Thomas Chapel, Sao Tome
St.Francis Xavier Chapel, Portais

Mass Timings

Weekdays
7:00 am (Konkani)
8:00 am (English)
6:00 pm (Konkani)

Saturday
7:00 am (Konkani)
8:00 am (English)
6:00 pm (Konkani- Anticipatory Mass)

Sunday
7:00 am (Konkani) 8:15 am (English) 9:15 pm (Konkani/English) 10:30 am (Portuguese) 5:30 pm (Konkani)