Fundacao to begin Old Goa chapel restoration

The works of restoring the Old Goa chapel Nossa Senhora do Monte, Our Lady of Mount chapel has been initiated by Fundacao Oriente.

The first phase of protecting and consolidating the old structure is expected to be completed within 240 days at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh.

Disclosing this at a press conference, members of Fundacao Oriente stated that the decision of undertaking the repair works of the chapel will be taken up on a priority basis due to the worsening condition of the ancient structure.

The agreement to this effect was designed by Fundacao Oriente Trust Manager, Adelino Rodrigues da Costa, and Manager of Associated Cement Company, Ravindra Gundu Rao.

It may be recalled that according to the report of the engineering team which recently conducted a survey of the chapel, the structure is in danger of collapse at any given time if it is not protected.

After prolonged discussions involving the State government and the church authorities to define the legal question of the chapel’s ownership, a memorandum of understanding was signed on May 7, 1998, between the Goa government, the church authorities and Fundacao Oriente, who will carry out the restoration work of the chapel in accordance with the terms and conditions of the memorandum.

The work will be carried out under the Supervision of Architect Luis Marreiros of IPPAR, Portugal, using a plan drawn up the Bombay Collaborative, Mumbai, an architectural firm specializing in the restoration of heritage monuments. Technical coordination of the project will be directed by Engineer Jose Albuquerque, they added.

After calling for tenders, Fundacao Oriente has awarded the contract for carrying out the work to Associated Cement Company Limited, Conservation Cell.

The Nossa Senhora do Monte Chapel is situated at the top of the tallest hill in Old Goa, overlooking the Mandovi river and its great visibility makes it one of the most remarkable reference points in the entire area.

The chapel itself dates back to 1519, although it was later rebuilt. It is a fine example of early 16th-century mannerism, displaying elegance and stylistic refinement rarely to be found among its counterparts in mainland Portugal.