Arch of the Viceroys, also known as Viceroy's Arch, was erected in 1599 in
Goa, India, by Viceroy Francisco da Gama, the grandson of Vasco da Gama. The
arch was restored in 1954 after it faced a collapse.
The side of the arch that faces the river, has a deer emblem on Vasco da
Gama's coat of arms. The arch has a statue of Vasco da Gama at the center.
The side that faces the city has a sculpture of a European woman wearing a
crown and a robe, St. Catherine, holding a sword in one hand and an open book
in the other.
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The Viceroy's Arch
«Built in 1599 A.D. to mark the Portuguese conquest of the city, the
Arch of Viceroy was completely restored in 1954. The inscribed plaque
records that the earlier restoration of archway was done by the governor
Francisco da Gama (1597-1600) in memory of his great grand father
Vasco-da-Gama. Another record commemorates the emancipation of Portugal
from Spain. The facade niche has a statue in stone of Vasco-da-Gama on
the river side. Correspondingly in the rear is a statue of St.
Catherine.»
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Arch seen from the city side
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Statue of Saint Catherine
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The Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510, led by Afonso de Albuquerque,
occurred on the feast day of Saint Catherine (November 25).
Albuquerque attributed his victory to her intercession, and as a
result, the first church built in Goa was dedicated to her1.
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Saint Catherine became the patroness of the Cathedral of Goa, which
played a central role in the spread of Christianity in the region. Her
influence is seen as pivotal in the establishment of the Archdiocese
of Goa1.
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The Chapel of St. Catherine, built in 1510, is one of the oldest
churches in Old Goa and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Churches and Convents of Goa. This chapel symbolizes the beginning of
Portuguese influence in Goa3.
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Saint Catherine is revered for her endurance and faith, having been
martyred for her Christian beliefs. Her story inspired many to convert
to Christianity, further embedding her importance in the religious
landscape of Goa1.
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Saint Catherine's legacy is deeply intertwined with the history and
spiritual life of Goa, making her a central figure in the region's
Christian heritage.
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Plaque inscribed inside the arch
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Arch seen from the sea side
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Statue of Vasco da Gama
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Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India by sea, arriving
in Calicut (now Kozhikode) in 1498. This marked the beginning of a new
sea route from Europe to India, which had profound implications for
trade and colonization.
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His successful voyage paved the way for Portuguese colonization in
India, including the establishment of Goa as a Portuguese colony in
1510.
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Goa became the administrative and commercial center of the Portuguese
Eastern Empire, largely due to its strategic location along the
western coast of India.
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The arrival of the Portuguese and Vasco da Gama's journey led to
significant cultural exchanges, including the spread of Christianity,
European art, and architecture in Goa.
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Vasco da Gama's connection to Goa is a crucial part of the region's
history and its transformation under Portuguese rule.
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See Also
Source
Location
