Location:
Banks of Mandovi River in the village named Reis Magos
Highlights: Feast of Three wise Men every year, Reis Magos Fort
How to Reach: One can always reach this church easily by hiring
local transport like taxis, autos and buses from anywhere in Goa.
The Reis Magos church of Goa is one of the most famous landmarks of the
Reis Magos village located in Goa. This famous church is visible from
across the River Mandovi as a white monument that is stunningly
beautiful to look at. The church is located on the road that passes the
famous Calangute and Candolim beaches. If you go till the Verem Bazaar
and take a turn past a Hindu tree shrine, you shall reach the Reis
Magos.
The Reis Magos church is famous for annual feast that is held on 6th of
January and is dedicated to the Three Wise Men. This magnificent church
was built way back in 1555. The church is dedicated to St. Jerome. This
church was taken over by the Franciscan friars who watched over the
missionary work here. They also founded a small educational institution
over here. The Reis Magos fort is another famous attraction here that
was built before the church was built.
It is said that the church was built on the ruins of an ancient Hindu
temple. The evidence in front of you in the form of a sacred Hindu
symbol that is typical of the Vijayanagar temple style. As you climb the
stairs of the church, you get to see the bas-relief lion statues on the
sides of the stairs, which is typical of a Hindu temple. The church had
much importance during the Portugal rule and in fact two Viceroys of Goa
were buried over here and their tomb stones are still present.
The church is decorated beautifully inside and is quite colorful,
unlike the outside walls that painted in sparkling white. The wooden
supports are multi colored and show depictions of the Three Wise Men
going with gifts to see Baby Jesus Christ. The altar is quite high and
has the above mentioned backdrop. Every year the church hosts the annual
feast of the Three Wise Men on January 6th. The locals of the village
participate enthusiastically and enact the roles of the Three Kings of
Magi. A procession to mark the journey of the three kings begins from
the church and goes around the village spreading cheer and happiness.
