Nerul: Discover Kayaking and Church Art

When traveling in Goa, activities and culture can play different roles. The Nerul River is one of the popular kayaking spots; at Our Lady of Remedios Church in Nerul, religious imagery and decorative details take center stage. You can weigh these two themes separately: kayaking is the specific activity associated with the river, while paintings, statues, and altar symbolism define the church’s cultural focus.

Kayaking on the Nerul River

The Nerul River is one of Goa’s popular kayaking spots. If kayaking is one of your travel interests, you can consider this activity alongside the church’s cultural themes. Here, movement on the water is contrasted with exploring paintings, statues, and symbolism. This can help you clarify your priorities: are you mainly considering a kayaking trip, or are you more interested in sacred art?

Our Lady of Remedios Church in Nerul

Above the three doors of Our Lady of Remedios Church in Nerul are the words “Our Lady of Remedies Church – Nerul, Goa.” The inscription gives the church’s name as well as Nerul and Goa. This provides a specific point of reference for the church, while the paintings and other furnishings offer different kinds of detail.

Old paintings on wooden panels and walls depict Saint Anthony, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Francis Xavier. The scenes include the Nativity on the left, the Holy Family at work, the Annunciation, Mary Magdalene washing Jesus’ feet, and a priest celebrating Mass. On the right is a depiction of Our Lady of Fatima. The paintings can be read in three groups: individual saints, religious scenes, and a moment from the Mass. The references to the left and right make the Nativity and Fatima fixed points. This lets you pay attention to both the subject depicted and its position.

The sacristy resembles a small museum and houses numerous statues of saints. This is a different form of religious representation from the paintings on wooden panels and walls: here, saints appear as statues, while the paintings show saints and scenes. The main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Remedios, depicted with the infant Jesus. Above them are doves representing the Holy Spirit. The altar thus brings dedication and symbolism together; the doves complement the depiction of the mother and child with the explicitly named Holy Spirit.

If you would like to view the interiors for yourself, check in advance whether visitors are allowed. This is especially worthwhile if the paintings, sacristy, or main altar are important factors in your travel decision.

Discover more destinations: Codal, Bodiem, Morjim, Revora, Calangute, Baga, Arambol and Assonora.

Go to the main travel overview: North Goa.