Viceroys Arch, Goa

The magnificent Viceroy’s Arch in Old Goa was built in the memory of Vasco Da Gama, by his great-grand son Francisco da Gama (circa 1599).

The Arch had ceremonial importance during the Portuguese regime, as every new Viceroy of the regime who took charge of Goa had to officially do so by passing under the Arch. This ceremonial importance ceased in 1843, when the capital of Goa was to Panjim.

The main constituent of the arch is red laterite stone with embeded granite stone carvings. On the side facing the Mandovi river, is a statue of Vasco Da Gama, who discovered the Sea route to India.

The arch was restored 1954 after its collapse in 1948. Hence, the restored version is quite different from the original structure. Above the niche of Vasco Da Gama, was another tier of the arch that contained another niche with bronze statue of St. Catherine in the original construction. This statue was removed and not included in the 1954 restoration of the arch.

Inscription inside the archway describes the reasons for building it. Another decorated slab commemorates emancipation of Portugal under its King from Spain in 1640. The inscription on it after translation reads, ‘The legitimate and true King, Dom Joao IV, restorer of Portuguese liberty.

Inside the archway is a plaque which commemorates the emancipation of Portugal from Spain in 1656 and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

One the other side of the Arch facing the city of Velha Goa, is a statue of a decorated European woman wearing a crown and long decorated robe. She holds a sword in one hand and an open book in another, gazing sternly ahead. Under her feet is a reclining figure of a man in equally decorated and flowing robe, slippers and turban, this confirms he is of a high rank. The head of this man is propped up by an elbow with a resigned expression on his face. It is considered to have a symbolic value to it.