Sao Mathias Church Divar
A serene 400-year-old Portuguese church on Divar Island, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Goa's rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience local life
Sao Mathias Church Divar
Best Time
Experience local life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 400-year-old Portuguese church on Divar Island, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Goa's rich history.
"A lovely, worthwhile stop for those who enjoy hidden gems and quiet charm. "
🚢 Ferry to Divar Island
Take the free ferry from Panjim to Divar Island for a scenic and easy approach to the church.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Bring a cap, scarf, and sunglasses as the island can get quite sunny.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Portuguese Architecture
Divar Island, Goa
A 400-year-old Portuguese church named after the apostle of Jesus, offering a glimpse into Goa's rich history.
Peaceful Church Grounds
Sao Mathias Church
Explore the serene church grounds, a quiet and untouched spot offering a peaceful experience away from bustling tourist circuits.
Island Charm
Divar Island
Experience the untouched feel of Divar Island, where civilization seems to have skipped, offering a unique country-like atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Island Access & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry to Divar Island
Take the free ferry from Panjim to Divar Island for a scenic and easy approach to the church.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Bring a cap, scarf, and sunglasses as the island can get quite sunny.
🎶 Enhance Your Peace
Consider bringing portable speakers to amplify the peaceful atmosphere.
🚶 Explore the Grounds
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the serene church grounds, even if you can't step inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry to Divar Island
Take the free ferry from Panjim to Divar Island for a scenic and easy approach to the church.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Bring a cap, scarf, and sunglasses as the island can get quite sunny.
🎶 Enhance Your Peace
Consider bringing portable speakers to amplify the peaceful atmosphere.
🚶 Explore the Grounds
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the serene church grounds, even if you can't step inside.
📸 Capture the History
Admire the fascinating sculptures of apostles and saints, especially in the sacristy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sao Mathias Church for its quiet charm and peaceful atmosphere, offering a serene escape from typical tourist spots. While some note it could use a bit more maintenance, the local preservation efforts are appreciated. The historical significance and the untouched feel of Divar Island are highlighted as major draws, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking hidden gems.
"São Matias Church – Quietly Charming
Though I couldn’t step inside, exploring the serene church grounds was a peaceful experience. Tucked away from the bustling Old Goa circuit, the church feels untouched and holds a quiet charm. It could use a bit more maintenance, but the local community does a commendable job preserving it. A lovely, worthwhile stop for those who enjoy hidden gems."
Stephen Cordeiro (Steve)
"Highest point of Diwar Island of Goa.
Church dates to 1590’s."
Amey Shirodker
"Beautiful, peaceful, and full of history. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates architecture and serenity."
Rahul Reddy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Sao Mathias Church on Divar Island, you'll need to take a ferry from Panjim. The ferry ride is free and offers a pleasant journey to the island. Once on Divar, you can proceed to the church.
Yes, the ferry service from Panjim to Divar Island is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly way to reach the island.
While the roads leading to the church are excellent, exploring Divar Island is best done by personal vehicle or rented scooter for flexibility.
Yes, you can take your car on the ferry to Divar Island, allowing for convenient exploration of the island and its attractions.
The distance is relatively short once you reach Divar Island. The ferry ride itself is a key part of the journey from Panjim.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to visit Sao Mathias Church or explore its grounds. It's a freely accessible historical site.
While the church grounds are generally accessible, specific interior visiting hours might vary. It's best to check locally or aim for times around Mass.
Access to the church interior may depend on Mass schedules or specific times. Some visitors have noted they couldn't step inside, while others have seen sculptures in the sacristy.
No, there is no entry fee for Divar Island itself. Access via the ferry is free.
Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the religious site. Dress modestly, especially if attending Mass or hoping to enter the interior.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed on the church grounds. However, always be mindful and respectful, especially if there are services or other visitors.
The exterior architecture, the peaceful grounds, and the scenic island views offer great photo opportunities. The sacristy also holds fascinating sculptures.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone near the church or on Divar Island.
If you are able to enter the interior, it's best to avoid flash photography and be discreet to respect the sanctity of the place.
A versatile lens for capturing both architecture and landscapes would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the church's facade and surrounding areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the serene church grounds, admire the historic architecture, and enjoy the peaceful, country-like atmosphere of Divar Island. +1
Sao Mathias Church is generally not crowded, offering a peaceful and untouched experience compared to more popular tourist spots.
The church dates back to the late 16th century, built between 1590 and 1597, and is dedicated to St. Mathias the Apostle.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms is limited. It's advisable to use facilities before heading to the island or church.
Take your time to explore the island's villages, enjoy the scenic views, and soak in the tranquil, less-developed atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the church itself is a historical site, the journey and the serene environment are the main draws for families. Pack plenty of snacks, water, and sun protection, as amenities might be limited. The relaxed pace of Divar Island allows families to enjoy a quiet day out, focusing on the simple pleasures of discovery and scenic beauty.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Divar Island's untouched charm means you can wander without the usual tourist crowds, allowing for a more personal and immersive experience. The excellent roads make it easy to explore the island at your own pace. It’s a place to disconnect, reflect, and appreciate the quiet beauty of Goa's heritage.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Beyond the church, the entire island of Divar is a photographer's delight, with its quiet lanes, traditional houses, and scenic river views. The lack of crowds ensures ample time and space to frame the perfect shot. Remember to bring a versatile camera setup to capture both the architectural details and the broader island vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The church is situated on Divar Island, a location that has retained a sense of untouched charm. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs, Divar Island offers a more serene and authentic experience, making Sao Mathias Church a peaceful sanctuary. The island itself feels like a step back in time, with its quiet roads and country-like atmosphere, providing a stark contrast to the modern world.
Visitors often describe the church and its surroundings as peaceful and full of history. While it might require a bit more effort to reach than mainland attractions, the reward is a tranquil and historically significant site that feels like a hidden gem. The local community plays a role in its preservation, ensuring its charm endures.
Navigating Divar Island
Once on Divar Island, the roads leading to Sao Mathias Church are noted for being excellent, making for a pleasant ride. While the church is a primary destination, the island itself offers a unique experience. It's described as being relatively untouched by rapid development, giving it a distinct 'civilization has skipped this island' feel. This tranquility makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a break from the usual tourist hustle.
For those looking to enhance their experience, bringing portable speakers is suggested to further immerse oneself in the peaceful ambiance. The island's serene environment, coupled with the historical significance of the church, makes for a memorable visit. It’s a place where one can truly appreciate the quiet beauty and historical depth of Goa.
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