Constructed between the years 1597 and 1602, the church was a grand monument dedicated to Our Lady of Grace under the Order of Saint Augustine. Unfortunately, in the 1830s, the Portuguese government’s repressive policies led to the eviction of several religious orders from Goa, resulting in the abandonment of the church.
The Collapse of the Augustinian Monastery
In 1842, the main vault of the church fell followed by the subsequent collapse of the entire structure in different stages throughout the years. By 1931, the façade and half the tower fell, leaving only half of the initial majestic tower that is still in existence today. What remains now is the renowned St. Augustine’s Tower – a silent relic of what was once one of the grandest edifices in Goa – The Augustinian Monastery.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1986, UNESCO declared the remaining ruins of the church as a World Heritage Site. Adding more to its historical significance, it was also at this site that the archaeological discovery of Queen Ketevan’s remains took place. A Georgian queen who willingly surrendered herself as a hostage to Shah Abbas I and was martyred for refusing to deny her faith. In the late 1980s, archaeologists from the Soviet Union and Georgia initiated the efforts to uncover the relics of Ketevan the Martyr, which were believed to be preserved in Goa.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1597-1602 | Construction of the church |
| 1830s | Church was abandoned due to repressive policies of Portuguese government |
| 1842 | Main vault of church collapsed |
| 1931 | Façade and half the tower fell down |
| 1986 | Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Architectural Excellence and Artistry
Initially, the church boasted four immense towers built of laterite and a massive vault that mirrored the grand imperial cathedrals of the Renaissance era. The entire structure was supported by soaring pillars, the remnants of which still remain visible today. The grey basalt columns contrast beautifully with the red laterite of the structure. The altar of the church was embellished with lovely multicoloured Italian tiles and the remaining fragments of resplendent red and blue paintings are still visible. In 1871, the bell from the church’s monstrous tower was moved to the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panjim.