Pilar Seminary in Panaji
· Summer: March-May (30°C - 36°C)
· Winter: October-February (22°C - 32°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
June-September
Opening Time: 08:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Nil
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Established by the Capuchins Monks way back in 1613, Pilar Seminary is among the two surviving seminaries out of the four originally built by the Portuguese. Located on a small hillock, it finds home at the Church of Our Lady of Pilar and was built to impart knowledge about theology among the students. The top highlights of the place are the statue of Our Lady of Pilar (brought form Spain), Tomb of Father Agnelo D’Souza and a small museum which houses Portuguese coins, excavated sculptures, pottery pieces, palm-leaf manuscripts and many other interesting exhibits.
Other highlights of the place include the rare-to-find colourful stained-glass windows, an inimitable baroque doorway and some very enchanting frescos. From the top of the chapel’s building, you get to enjoy the spectacular views of Arabian Sea, River Zuari, coconut plantations and rice fields. The seminary attracts devotees in large numbers every Thursday and during the procession of Saints. The cool and peaceful ambience of the place seems to have nothing in its parallel.
Connectivites
Road:
The seminary is accessible from the town of Panaji via NH 17 and a short-length hill road. Autos, cabs and taxis can be hired to reach the place. You may also like to hire a scooter for a fun-filled ride to access Pilar.
Railway:
The closest railway station is at Karmali (about 9 km. away). Another good option is the Madgaon Railway Station (about 24 km. away). Hire a cab or a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the seminary from these stations.
Airway:
About 16 km. from the seminary is Goa’s only airport at Dabolim. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available near the airport for the connecting road trip.