Information on Viceroy Arch (Goa) - History & Architecture

The Viceroy's Arch is a vital and ancient specimen of Goa's pride. It was created in the year 1599 by Viceroy Francisco da Gama. Viceroy's Arch was created for the honour of Vasco da Gama, the renowned explorer. It was the primary way for entering Old Goa. Viceroy's Arch is also known to have been one of the entrances towards entering Adil Shah's palace. The structure of the arch represents an acknowledgement to the accomplishments of Vasco da Gama.

Viceroy Arch Architecture

Viceroy's Arch was created from laterite stone and green granite in the way of Mandovi River. On top of the arch, there is a little statue of Vasco da Gama, completely attired with royal uniform. Inside the Viceroy's Arch, there is a caption to Vasco da Gama as well as to king Dom Joao, the first Portuguese ruler of India. In the back side of the arch, there is a sculpture of a crowned female, named Argonaut standing on a native, representing the Christian conquest over paganism.

Viceroy's Arch marks the Portuguese conquest of Goa. The Portuguese modernised in their architectural design and utilised it as creating a gateway of Goa for Portuguese authorities. Due to this reason, Viceroy's Arch is also known as 'Gateway of Goa'. In the year 1948, the arch collapsed and was recreated in 1954. However, during recreation, a bronze statue of Saint Catherine in the third tier of the arch was replaced.

Viceroy Arch History

The initiative to create Viceroy's Arch was due to the controversial viceroy of Francisco da Gama who became viceroy in the year 1597. He was stayed as the viceroy of India throughout the period of 1597 to 1600 and 1622 to 1628. According to historical records, the first centenary of Portuguese convoy that navigated from Lisbon in the year 1497 and crossed the Indian Ocean to reach the mainland of India in the year 1498, was being renowned through creation of several memorials. Viceroy's Arch thus results from the first memorial of the nautical achievement by famous Vasco da Gama. However, it is quite stimulating that the monument was not entitled according to his name.

Viceroy's Arch had a brief predecessor in the filling of rhombus deliberately set in the wall subsequent waterside gate. The creation of Viceroy's Arch was primarily ordered by Viceroy Joao de Castro in the year 1546 in order to revel his own ritual entrance after accomplishing victory in Diu. However, the statue was surprisingly destroyed several days before the end of Francisco da Gama's command as viceroy and his conforming departure in late 1600s. The empty niche of Viceroy's Arch ended up covering a statue of Saint Catherine. Nevertheless, general residents yelled for a statue of the great admiral. This gave rise to a decision by the governing body in the year 1606 to add new statue on top of the original. Thus, the statue of St. Catharine was shifted and a new statue of Vasco da Gama was positioned in the original place.

Viceroy Arch Tourism Importance

Viceroy's Arch is a must visit historical monument of Goa. The visit to Goa is incomplete without watching this monument. Its architectural design along with the captions which are inscribed in the arch is quite amusing. This ancient arch speaks about the splendour of Goa and it also provides a lovely sight of attractive scenery. Thus while in Goa, be here to experience the splendour of historical importance as well as the beauty that mother nature has gifted Goa with.