Viceroy's Arch - Historic Gateway to Old Goa

Goa, GoaMONUMENTHeritage

A 16th-century triumphal arch in Old Goa commemorating Vasco da Gama's arrival, serving as the historic gateway from the Mandovi River.

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MONUMENT

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Heritage

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30 minutes

Accessibility

Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

The Viceroy's Arch stands as a historic gateway to Old Goa, located near the Mandovi river. Constructed from laterite stone, this triumphal arch was the main street entrance to the city for those arriving by ship. Its design is distinctly European, featuring a central archway flanked by decorative elements. On the side facing the river, you'll see a statue of the navigator Vasco da Gama, while the side facing the city has a statue of St. Catherine of Alexandria, to whom the nearby Se Cathedral is dedicated. Visitors walking through the area will pass under this arch to get to the Adil Shah Palace jetty or the ferry terminal. The arch is not a destination where you spend a lot of time, but rather a significant landmark that forms part of the larger historical complex of Old Goa. Look closely at the walls for inscriptions in Latin that detail its history and purpose. The structure offers a tangible connection to Goa's colonial past and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Why This Place is Special

• Statue of Vasco da Gama facing the river
• Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa
• Its role as the historic ceremonial gateway to the city
• Construction using local laterite stone
• Statue of St. Catherine of Alexandria facing the city
• Historical inscriptions in Latin on its walls
• Close proximity to the Mandovi River and ferry terminal

Ideal For

History enthusiastsPhotographersSolo travelersCouplesGroups

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Seating areas
• Food stalls
• Drinking water

Visitor Tips

• Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photographs.
• The area is less crowded on weekdays compared to weekends and public holidays.
• Wear comfortable footwear as you'll be walking to see other nearby monuments.
• Carry a water bottle and use sunscreen, as there is little shade around the arch itself.
• The best photo angle is from a slight distance to capture the entire structure and its context.
• Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, both are just a few minutes away.
• Take a moment to read the inscriptions to understand the arch's historical context.
• It's on a functional road, so be mindful of passing vehicles when taking pictures.

Rules & Restrictions

• Do not climb on the monument
• Keep the area clean; do not litter

Safety Information

• Be aware of traffic when standing on the road to take photographs of the arch.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as exploring Old Goa involves a lot of walking on cobbled streets.
• Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months, by carrying a water bottle.
• Keep your belongings secure, as the area can get crowded with tourists.
• The structure is ancient; refrain from touching or trying to climb it to prevent damage and ensure your own safety.
• If visiting during the monsoon, the laterite stone pathways can be slippery.

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Location & Address

D. Pou Joaquim de Barros, Velha Goa, Goa 403402, Old Goa, Goa, Goa, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather in Goa is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. This is also the peak tourist season. The monsoon months, from June to September, see heavy rainfall which might disrupt plans. The summer, from March to May, can be very hot and humid, making daytime exploration uncomfortable.
Peak Crowd: November to January, especially during Christmas, New Year, and long weekends.
Moderate Crowd: February to March and October, on weekday afternoons.
Low Crowd: April to September, due to the intense heat and monsoon season.

How to Reach

Air

Goa International Airport (GOI) at Dabolim is approximately 26 km away (about a 45-60 minute drive). Manohar International Airport (GOX) at Mopa is about 38 km away (60-75 minutes).

Train

The closest railway station is Karmali (KRMI), just 2.5 km away. Major railway stations like Madgaon (MAO) and Vasco da Gama (VSG) are further, at 34 km and 28 km respectively.

Road

Old Goa is well-connected by road. It is located about 10 km from Panjim, the state capital. Regular state-run and private buses, as well as taxis, connect Panjim to Old Goa.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available. A popular option for tourists is renting a scooter or motorbike, which provides flexibility to explore the entire Old Goa heritage zone.