Viceroy's Arch

The Viceroy's Arch stands near the river landing at Old Goa and was once the ceremonial gateway to the Portuguese capital. It was erected in 1599 by Viceroy Francisco da Gama, great-grandson of the explorer Vasco da Gama, to honour his ancestor. Newly arrived viceroys passed through the arch to receive the keys to the city. The arch is built of laterite faced with green stone, and a statue of Vasco da Gama stands in a niche on the river side. On the side facing the city is a sculpture symbolising Portuguese dominance in India. The structure partly collapsed and was rebuilt in 1954. It is a short walk from the Church of St Cajetan and the river. It is worth the trip as a symbolic entry point to Old Goa's story.