The Chapel of St. Catherine

In Old Goa, near the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, there stands a small structure facing north towards the Mandovi River. This historic building is probably the oldest church in Old Goa.

It’s known as the Chapel of St. Catherine. It was constructed immediately after the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510. Formerly, on this spot, there stood a gate through which the Portuguese entered the city. Afonso de Albuquerque built the chapel commemorating his entry into Goa on St. Catherine’s Day.

On the side, there is an old stone inscription on the wall that describes the above-mentioned event. It also mentions that the chapel was later enlarged in 1550 by the then Governor George Cabral.

It’s believed that this stone slab was once located over the chapel’s door. Later, it was shifted over to the wall near the side door.