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Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the white church above the zigzag staircase in the centre of Panaji (Panjim). Goa Tourism gives its visiting hours as 9:00–12:30 and 15:30–19:30 every day, and entry is free. A chapel stood here from 1541; the present church dates from 1619, and the 78-step double staircase was added in 1871.
Built by the Portuguese in 1541 and rebuilt in 1619 as a proper baroque cathedral, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception sits atop a dramatic zig-zag white staircase in the heart of Panjim. It was the first church sailors would see when arriving at the old port; they came here to give thanks after surviving the monsoon crossing.
Climb the stairs, peek inside (free, modest dress), and walk the surrounding square at dusk when the facade is lit.
Tickets
Before you go
Modest dress No shortsOpening hours and mass times
- Visiting hours: daily 9:00–12:30 and 15:30–19:30.
- Entry: free.
- Sunday masses listed by Goa Tourism: 7:00, 8:15, 9:30, 10:30 and 17:30.
This list may be out of date: the parish website links to its current weekday and Sunday mass schedule. During a mass, visitors are welcome to sit at the back and stay quiet; walking around and taking photos waits until it ends.
History: the sailors' church
The church stands on what was called Conceição Hill. It began in 1541 as a chapel, the first church sailors saw as they came into the old port, and they climbed up to give thanks for surviving the monsoon crossing. It became a church around 1600, and the present building dates from 1619, under Archbishop Frei Cristóvão de Sá e Lisboa.
The famous staircase is later. After land below the hill was reclaimed, the double flight of 78 steps was built in 1871, modelled on Bom Jesus de Braga in Portugal. The statue of Our Lady on a 5-metre plinth at the middle landing was installed in 1954.
What to see
- The facade and stairs. Portuguese baroque blended with Goan style: two towers and a taller central belfry, brilliant white against the sky, above stairs that zigzag across the hillside. The church has appeared in Bollywood films, among them Josh.
- The interior. Simpler than the facade. The main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the right-hand altar to Our Lady of the Rosary, the left to the Crucifixion.
- The bell. Weighing 2,250 kg, it came from the ruined Augustinian Church of Our Lady of Grace in Old Goa and is the second largest of its kind in Goa, after the Golden Bell of the Sé Cathedral. A sign asks visitors not to ring it.
Come back after sunset, when the facade is lit by a multitude of lights.
✅ Dress and etiquette
This is a working parish church, not only a sight.
- Modest dress — Dress modestly and leave shorts and beachwear for the beach.
- During mass — Keep quiet, sit at the back if you join, and save photos for after.
- The bell — Do not ring it; a sign at the church asks visitors not to.
Best time: the 8 December feast
The parish feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception falls on 8 December. A nine-day novena comes before it, the church is covered in lights, and after the feast mass people walk in procession with a brass band, and there is often a firework display. A fair of stalls goes with it, now held on the riverfront.
On an ordinary day, come early in the morning visiting window, when the stairs are cooler and emptier, or in the late afternoon for the light on the facade.
❓ FAQ
What are the timings of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church?
Goa Tourism lists daily visiting hours of 9:00–12:30 and 15:30–19:30.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free.
What is the history of the Immaculate Conception Church in Goa?
A chapel was built here in 1541, where sailors gave thanks after the sea crossing; it became a church around 1600, was rebuilt in 1619, and the 78-step staircase was added in 1871.
Which church in Goa is shown in movies?
This one: Goa Tourism notes that the Panaji church appears in Bollywood films such as Josh.
What is the most famous church in Panaji?
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the white church above the zigzag stairs in the city centre.
When is the church feast?
On 8 December, after a nine-day novena, with a procession, a brass band and often fireworks.