OUR LADY OF REFUGE CHURCH
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 16.6 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Basilica of Bom Jesus (7.4 kms)
Trip Duration (From Basilica of Bom Jesus , Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: Mandur
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Basilica of Bom Jesus(7.4 kms)
At a distance of 16.6 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 20 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, The Church of Our Lady of Refuge is situated in Mandur part of North Goa.
The Church of Our Lady of Refuge also known as Nossa Senhora do Amparo Church was founded in 1710 on the initiative of the Gaunkar Dionisio Ribeiro and his wife Angelica Rodrigues. The primitive chapel was part of the parish of Azossim. It was raised to seat of its own parish on February 1, 1717.
It is one of the most characteristic 18th century churches on the Islands, and in that sense it is one of the primary Goan churches. The white-washed Catholic Church represents the Neo-Roman style of architecture. This is a rectangular single nave building forming a large, low compressed box with a tile roof. The Chapel has a groin vault with penetrations. The side walls of the nave and sanctuary are articulated by two superimposed levels of very shallow square niches. Superimposed pilasters separate the niches along the nave. The main facade is probably the most appealing of all the Goan facades. It is framed by two very simple towers organized in four orders. The central section is also composed of four orders.
This church is dedicated to Our Lady. In the centre is an oculus above which stands a sculpturally dense templet housing an image of Our Lady and topped by eagle wings symbolizing the Order of Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. On the sides is descending rolled up or chakra form volutes not seen in any other Goan church.
The feast of Our Lady of refuge was celebrated on 14th November every year with great honor.
