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 Goa's Reis Magos Church - The
magnificent churches in Goa are one of the major institutions
of the state. The churches of Goa are the legacy of the Portuguese
colonization. The Portuguese were majorly interested in church
building and was an integral part of their religious fervor.
The Reis Magos Church of Goa features as one of the most well-known
churches of the state.
Goa's Reis Magos Church is a tiny hamlet lying on the banks of the Mandovi
River. The Goa's Reis Magos Church and the Reis Magos Fort are the
two highlights of the place. Reis Magos also enjoys the distinction
of being one of the three places in Goa that host the unique
Feast of the Three Wise Men. The Reis Magos Church in Goa
dates back to 1555. The whitewashed gabled frontage of the
church is visible even from across the river in Panaji. The
Franciscan mendicants who came to this place on missionary
work arrogated this church and established a theological school
in this place.
Reis Magos Church of Goa is consecrated to St. Jerome. There
is a raging controversy pertaining to the construction of
the church. Some historians opine that they have evidence
to corroborate the fact that this church has been constructed
on the remnants of an ancient Hindu temple. The bas-relief
lion figures, so typical of the Vijayanagar temple architecture,
substantiate the claim. The church houses the tomb of two
of Goa's former viceroys.
The interiors of the Reis Magos Church of Goa are both colorful
and impressive. The altarpiece is an elaborately carved and
painted one and the highlight is the exquisitely done multi-colored
wood relief depicting Three Wise Men bearing gifts to the
infant Jesus.
Goa-Travel.com is an international travel site and a repository
of useful information on Reis Magos Church in Goa and on other
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