 Situated on the bank of Mandovi river, Reis Magos Church has a famous landmark as a companion, the Reis Magos Fort. Among the only three important places where the unique feast of the Three Wise Men is held, Reis Magos Church is one of them. Reis Magos has a serene ambience. Located far away from busy places, the place is reachable after a long journey through the fishing and boat building villages. Quite far away from this place is the more famous tourist spots of Calangute and Candolim.
The church was built in the year 1555 by Fransiscan friars who were in charge of missionary work in the area. The beautiful whitewashed gabled facade of the church is clearly visible from across the river in the capital city of Goa, Panaji. The church is dedicated to St. Jerome. Two of Goa's former Portuguese viceroy's were buried here.
The interior of the church is colorfully decorated and the attractive wooden relief shows Three Wise Men carrying gifts for baby Jesus. On the 6th of January every year, this story is enacted by the local youths and the festival is called the Festa dos Reis Magos. People take part in the procession in a symbolic journey with the three kings to worship and pay homage to baby Jesus. |
