Mae De Deus Church, Calangute

Mae De Deus, which literally translates to Mother of God is a Gothic style church and a very famous one in North Goa. In a city where most of the prominent churches are located in the South, Mae de Deus is a pleasant addition to the list of North Goa attractions and tourists around the Baga, Calangute and Candolim areas will surely appreciate how strategically it is located.

Mae De Deus is a relatively small church, and it doesn’t take more than half an hour to get a good look at it and get done with some praying, inside the church or out in the lush green surroundings. Mae De Deus church is an ideal place to spend some time sitting and pondering after a long day at the beach or shopping.

Being a relatively new church, having been inaugurated in 1873, upkeep has never really been an issue. The large pristine white appearance and the Gothic inspired spires are sure to turn a head or two. This coupled with the large entrance and silver bell makes for quite a sight. The church also makes for a photographer's dream canvas.

The church houses the famous shrine of Nossa Senhora, which was transported from the ruins of the old Mae De Deus Church in Old Goa. Getting to Mae De Deus is easy enough. It’s situated around 13 km from Panjim on the way to the North Goa town of Mapusa. It’s just a stone throw away for North Goa tourists and residents.

The best way to get there from cities like Vasco Da Gama, Panjim and Margao is to get a cab. You may also want to consider renting a two wheeler if you’re based in the North. This church also goes by the name Saligon Gothic Church.