Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is a prominent Portuguese Baroque church located on a hilltop in Panaji, Goa. Originally built as a chapel in 1541 for sailors, it was replaced by the current structure in the early 17th century. It is renowned for its bright white façade, distinctive zigzag double staircase, and housing the second-largest church bell in Goa. The church remains an active parish and a defining landmark of the state capital.

Visitors can expect to see a striking white Baroque façade with twin towers and a central belfry atop a hill. Access involves climbing a unique zigzagging double staircase of 78 steps. Inside, there are intricately carved altars dedicated to Mother Mary, Jesus's Crucifixion, and Our Lady of the Rosary, along with marble statues of St. Peter and St. Paul. The site offers panoramic views of Panaji and houses a historic Augustinian bell.

Originally constructed as a chapel in 1541 to serve Portuguese sailors arriving at Panaji port, it became a parish in 1600. The present church was completed around 1609-1619. The zigzag stairs were added in 1871 when land was reclaimed, and the heavy Augustinian bell from Old Goa was installed in the same year.

The church serves as an active parish conducting daily Mass in English, Konkani, and Portuguese. It is a major cultural icon of Panaji, frequently featured in Bollywood films, and hosts the annual Festival of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 with illuminations and a fair.