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This ancient Circular structure, probably the oldest in Goa
While travelling to Ribandar or from the ferry, you may have seen a
from a distance, a white circullar structure, located on a hillock of
Chorao Islands.
I always wanted to go up there to see what is looks like.
Today, using Panjim-Chorao direct ferryboat, we managed to go there.
It has a beautiful view from the top.
Trying to make a small video clip soon
In the mean time check this pics
6in1
A view from Panjim. Chorao etc included
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches/4253731101/sizes/l/
inside there is nothing, not even a statue or ‘painel’
(except some empty cement bags)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches/4254562188/sizes/l/
however, it has a metal gate/door which remained padlocked.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches/4254303006/sizes/l/
No writings, dates or inscriptions.
Just a rusty green ASI board saying it is a protected monument
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches/4253537241/sizes/l/
the dome
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches/4253538601/sizes/l/
How to get here?
From Chorao Ferry, take local bus (unless you have your own vehicle)
It is about a kilometer away from the Maddel Church (Our Lady of Grace)
Or just after a road sign board marked ‘Pomburpa’
It’s on the main road.
There is no vehicular access to the chapel nor has a decent pedestrian road..
From the road, it takes about 15 minutes walking of which 10 minutes of
climbing up on the hillock. Not suitable for older people. It’s a rough and
narrow pathway with no steps.
If you like walking or trekking, you should be able to cover the entire
distance in about 60 minutes from the ferry.
On the way, you will see a Hindu temple, then the church
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches/4254300862/sizes/l/
where sharp right turn on main road, walk about 15 minutes,
and you will see a ‘Pomburpa’ direction sign board to you left.
Follow (walk) the main road for about another 5 minutes and take a
narrow opening to the stone fence towards your left which
is the access to the chapel through the woods..
Note. Chapel is not visible from the main road or until you are closer
to the chapel.
Ask locals for help.
When we were coming down, we saw 4 other Goans going up.
Plenty peacocks seen around – see a pic
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk23/4254252164/sizes/l/
Below info. taken from the net:
Chapel of St. Jerome at Chorao
On the top of the hillocks at Madel, the Chapel of St. Jerome is situated.
This Chapel has been constructed on an elevated ground
with its entrance towards the South.
It is a circular structure with a drum and dome over it.
There is a pillared verandah, around this chapel.
The tiled roof of this verandah is sloppy and is supported by square stone
pillars.
The wall of the chapel is of laterite and it is plastered with lime and cement.
The outer diameter of this chapel is approximately 28.8 meters and
its internal diameter is 5.75 meters.
There is a high stone platform in the northern end of this chapel.
There are two small windows on the wall of this chapel.
The superstructure of this chapel is topped by a small octagonal tower,
which in turn is capped by another small dome.
It is commonly believed that here originally stood a church,
a seminary and a convent, all located at the foot of the hill and believed
to have been built during the 16th century AD. Today however,
no structures remain. It appears that the chapel of St. Jerome is the only
ancient chapel in Goa with a circular plan.
source
http://www.indiaplaces.com/india-tourist-destinations/goa-churches/Churches-Around-Panaji.html
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