Viceroy’s Arch is just a short, 10-15 minute walk from the SE Cathedral. The challenge is just choosing the right road. Like most of India, Road name signs are pretty much non-existant let alone signs saying Viceroy’s Arch >, I stopped to ask 3 Tuk-Tuk drivers which turn to take and it became evident their English skills only apply if they’re getting you to ride with them. A motorist, parked on the side of the road was next. His English worked all the time and was more than happy to direct me. He then said, get in and just whizzed me down there. Didn’t want anything, just friendly help. The generous and helpful nature of Indians (not trying to sell you stuff), just keeps shining through.
Arch of the Viceroys, also known as Viceroy’s Arch, was erected in 1599 in Goa, India, by Viceroy Francisco da Gama, the grandson of Vasco da Gama. The arch was restored in 1954 after it faced a collapse. It is an ASI protected Monument of National Importance in Goa.
Viceroy’s Arch in the 1940s
The side of the arch that faces the river, has a deer emblem on Vasco da Gama’s coat of arms. The arch has a statue of Vasco da Gama at the centre. The side that faces the city has a sculpture of a European woman wearing a crown and a robe, holding a sword in one hand and an open book in the other.
Back when Old Goa was the capital of Portuguese Goa, this archway was one of the main entrances into the city.
The archway also held ceremonial importance. At this spot, the exiting viceroy would hand over the ceremonial keys to the city of Old Goa to the new viceroy. The new official would then pass through the archway to cement the title .
