The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is temporarily closed to casual tourists for internal viewing, but it remains fully open for regular religious Mass services.
Due to a major ongoing structural restoration, conservation, and local "Smart City" infrastructure project around the church square, the property is currently operating under specific conditions:
Sightseeing Restraints: The central doors and interior nave are temporarily off-limits for general tourism or casual walk-ins outside of service times.
The Steps and Exterior: The iconic exterior facade and the famous zigzag staircase remain completely open and accessible from the public square for viewing and photography. However, because of the restoration work, the grand decorative lights on the facade are currently kept turned off at night.
The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is a famous landmark in Panaji, Goa. First built as a small chapel in 1541 for sailors, it was later rebuilt in 1619 into a striking Portuguese-Baroque style church. Known as the "Crown of Panaji," it features a distinct symmetric zigzag double staircase.
History & Architecture
Original Purpose: Built on a hillside so sailors arriving from Lisbon could pray and give thanks before heading to Old Goa.
The Staircase: The unique, crisscrossing double stairs were added in 1871.
Famous Bell: Houses the second-largest ancient bell in Goa, moved from the ruins of the Augustinian Church of Our Lady of Grace in Old Goa.
Festivals: The annual feast day is celebrated brightly with lights and a large public fair on December 8th every year.
🚆 Travel Information
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Nearest Railway Station
12km : Karmali Railway Station
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Nearest Airport
28km : Dabolim International Airport
