The Panjim Church
The Panjim Church is called the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The Igreja da Imaculada Conceição or simply the Panjim Church, I think is the city’s most visited landmark. It is due to the number of times this iconic background has featured in a number of Indian films.
It has been standing since the 1540s initially as a small church built specifically as a stop for sailors just before arriving at the then trading port at Old Goa. However, the famous zig zag steps in front of it were built only in the 1870s, remodelled after the Church of Our Lady of Remedios, in Lamego, Portugal. I think these steps as an attraction in itself can compete with the famous Spanish steps with the crowds of tourists seated on them and trying to get the entire background of the criss-cross platforms of steps in their selfies.
The name of the church indicates that it is devoted to Mother Mary, considered to be the Patroness of Panjim and hence her statue overlooking the city was installed in the early 1900s. The inside of the church is not as impressive in size if one compares it to the Old Goa churches. There are smaller altars within, just as the churches in Old Goa. The bell of the Church is the second largest in Goa and was originally from the Monastery of the Augustinian Friars from Old Goa. The ruins of the Monastery on the Holy Hill in Old Goa is quite an imposing landmark and worth a visit, as it is in the vicinity of the famous Old Goa churches.
Coming back to the Panjim Church, the feast of which is celebrated with much fanfare every 8th December. It has just recently opened its own official website at https://icchurchpanjim.com where details of its daily services and other related activities are available. The church is beautifully lit up at night, but visitors to this spot can be seen at all times of the day and around the year. The church follows a dress code and one may be stopped from entering if dressed in shorts and bare shoulders. In fact, many forget it is indeed a religious spot that merits some decorum. The steps which many visit are a part of the church and a gate now has been installed there to maintain some order. So access to the church from the steps is only during service timings.
Though the famous steps of the church is the most recognisable feature of the church and one which the tourists come to see, I would suggest taking the road approach to the church, and go to the top for the view in the foreground. It makes for a pretty picture too.
If visiting this spot, one can visit the Fontainhas area or Latin Quarter as it happens to be within walking distance.
Amazing Azulejos Art at the former Central Library at Panjim
One of the typical local Goan aesthetic involves the blue tiles or what one calls the Azelujos (the j is pronounced like a ‘y’) tiles. Renewed interest in this artwork comes from this humble tile finding a place in very contemporary interior and exterior decor. Brought to Goa by the Portuguese, these were hand-painted tiles, usually with a blue hue, that used a traditional kiln, and were fired, dried and glazed. Nowadays, the tiles come with all colourful patterns and for those wanting to take Goan souvenirs back, the Azelujos are definitely a good option as some of them depict the typical Goan lifestyle. One will find these tiles in the usual touristy places, from coasters, mini tiles to larger framed pieces. But if you want the genuine Azelujos then I recommend two places in Panjim for its authenticity and quality. Galeria Azulejos de Goa, near the old Secretariat and Velha Goa Galleria in Fontainhas/Mala, both in Panjim.
