Old Goa was the former capital of the Portuguese territories in India before the capital was shifted to Panaji. After Panaji became the capital in 1843, many buildings in Old Goa were neglected or destroyed. Today, many have been restored, but some still sit in ruins, while others have been completely lost to time.
One such extinct place is the Church of Our Lady of Light. It was located on a hill called Monte de Boa Vista (Hill of Good View). In 1543, the church was raised to the rank of a parish, and was eventually turned into a collegiate church. Sixteenth century Portuguese chronicles show the church had around 30,000 parishioners in 1614.
Eventually, after the capital was shifted to Panaji, this church, like many other buildings in Old Goa, fell into ruins. Today, the church is extinct, with a lone memorial cross marking its location. The stone marker next to the memorial cross reads: Priorado De Nossa Senhora Da Luz, which translates to Priory of Our Lady of Light.
