Our Lady of Piety Church — Attraction in Goa

Our Lady of Piety Church – A Timeless Gem in Divar Island

Perched gracefully atop the scenic Divar Hill, Our Lady of Piety Church is not just a place of worship but a living testament to Goa’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage. The church’s roots trace back to 1515 when a humble ermida (chapel) stood on the spot where the cemetery now lies. In 1625, this small structure was expanded into a parish church dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Piedade (Our Lady of Piety).

The current vaulted church was constructed between 1700 and 1724 under the guidance of Fr. (Msgr) Antonio João de Frias from Sant Ana Talaulim. Its elegant Neo-Roman style, accentuated with Baroque elements, twin bell towers crowned with spear finials, and Corinthian-column detailing, makes it a striking piece of architecture—considered more majestic than many churches of its time, even those in Old Goa.

The Jesuit missionaries who brought the Gospel to Divar left a profound legacy here. Statues of key figures like Fr. Jacomé Gonsalves and St. Joseph Vaz are present, paying tribute to the island’s rich missionary history.

Apart from its architectural beauty and spiritual significance, the church also offers breathtaking views—especially at sunset—as it overlooks the serene Mandovi River. It’s a must-visit for those seeking history, peace, and panoramic vistas all...

This was the first church built by the Portuguese in Divar island, located on a hilltop. It is believed that the church is built over a Hindu temple destroyed by the Muslim invaders in the 15th century. It is estimated that this church was built in 1700. The white coloured structure with the greenery all around is a treat to the eyes.

There is a captivating tale about the church bell. It is believed that the ringing of the original bell used to result in the cracking of the glasses of the church and thus was exchanged with the bell of Se Cathedral located in Velha, Goa. The beauty of this site is the peace all around and the panoramic view of the Mandovi river in the distance.

There is a cemetery that is believed to be the resting place for the rulers of the grand Kadamba dynasty. A small chapel in the cemetery was once an ancient Ganesha temple believed to have been destroyed by the Portuguese. The deity of the temple was later shifted to a new temple in Candola. Nevertheless, I could not find it and there was nobody else to seek for guidance...

The location is really amazing.

There was a person aged of 40-50 (seems like a Church staff as he was living next to the Church) was there who behaved very rudely and nasty. When we request to allow us in the Church, he bluntly said that non-christians are not allowed.

We requested him to allow us to meet padre (father) to know more information about the Church, but he harshly declined for a meeting.

As we were outside and watching the Church and surroundings, he asked us to leave the place.

Horrific & Terrible behaviour.

We felt like that we were in the pre-independence era again, where they hate and unwelcome common Indian Citizens. (Usually, they wrote that Dogs and Indians are not allowed).

We exactly...