Our Lady of Gloria Church — Attraction in Goa

At a distance of 39 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 30.5 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 7 km from Margao Railway Station, Our Lady of Glory Church is situated in South Goa.

The Nossa Senhora da Gloria Church or Our Lady of Glory Church is located at Varca. Founded by the Jesuits, the Church was erected into a parish in 1635. The present Church was built in 1700 and dedicated to Our Lady of Glory after the earlier church was destroyed. A new parochial residence was inaugurated in 1998.

Our Lady of Glory Church is actually an 18th century building with single nave and false transept, long and wide, with a tile roof and articulated by semicircular niches. This Church has a particularly striking facade, making use of a fan-like central feature based on the conch shell to give an effect of radiating light. Its twin towers are topped by semi-domes but doors on the ground floor and the windows on its 2 upper storeys are Romanesque. The north tower houses a rare two-storey gallery built in the 1800s or 1900s. The facade's central section and chakra wing panels linking the lower elements are characteristically Goan, a late variation on themes experimented at Bom Jesus. The statue of Christ existing in this church attracts crowds of devotees particularly on the 27th...

Really really bad church office. Worse than a government office. The lady there has no manners to talk. Very rude and impolite. But can't really blame her when her boss, Fr. Louis (the parish priest if I'm not wrong) is the culprit. This person DOES NOT deserve to be a priest. Extremely arrogant. He is running the parish like a dictator. "My work has to be done first, then the parishoners' later": these were his words. Church office timings are for parishoners, if not, why even keep the church office open?! My mom who is 60+ faced a lot of harassment from here. I had planned to take legal action first through the archdiocese and then through the Indian legal system if she was made to wait longer for her own family documents. Took more than 2 months and multiple visits to get a simple church document that I can get in a day or two at other churches. Church Office timings attached for reference but don't be surprised if you find it closed on a regular day. One time the lady hung up an "office closed" sign even though the office was open during office hours. Only after knocking the door she opened it. Image uploaded...

Our Lady of Gloria Church in Varca, South Goa, stands as a majestic example of Portuguese colonial architecture and spiritual heritage. Visiting during the COVID lockdown added a serene, almost timeless quality to the experience. The church’s elegant façade and tranquil surroundings offer a peaceful refuge for reflection and prayer amid the quietude.

Captured on April 1st during a visit en route to the famed Karma Royal Hathi Mahal in Cavelossim, the photographs reveal the church’s intricate detailing and warm, welcoming ambiance. The structure’s baroque influences blend beautifully with Goa’s natural landscape, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

This church not only serves as a beacon of faith for the local community but also represents Goa’s rich Portuguese legacy preserved through centuries. Its location in Varca makes it a must-visit for those seeking to connect with history and spirituality.

For visitors exploring South Goa, stopping by Our Lady of Gloria Church is a rewarding experience, a moment of calm in a region known for vibrant culture and...