Nuvem

Nuvem brings together several churches and a historic vintage car focus. Consider which of these interests you want to shape your trip.

Church history in Nuvem

The feast of the patron saint of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Church is celebrated on the first Sunday in November. An early milestone in its history was the first chapel, which Jose Colaco had built in 1695. Colaco, a Ganvkar from Margao, built it on his property in Nuvem next to his house and dedicated it to the Holy Family and the Mother of the Poor.

A monument to Christ the King stands in front of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Church. It was erected by the Nuvem Mae de Deus Pobres Club of Mumbai and blessed by Archbishop and Patriarch Dom Jose Vieira Alvenaz on October 25, 1953. Another phase of construction is marked by the new church, built beside the old one and inaugurated on December 30, 2023, by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa. The old church building was converted into a worship center.

Architecture and imagery

Mae dos Pobres Church features Neo-Romanesque and Mannerist architectural elements. Pilasters and openings divide its facade into three sections. The design of the new Jesus, Mary and Joseph Church recalls Noah’s Ark: its curved roof echoes the outline of the ark, and the glass facade at the front displays an image of the Holy Family.

The central altar of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Church also brings together several religious motifs. It depicts the Holy Family and the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, with Jesus on the cross shown in the center. Another church image in Nuvem is a mural of Jesus calming the waters. These show different forms of sacred design: facade composition, roof form, glass image, altarpiece, and mural.

Spaces and access at Jesus, Mary and Joseph Church

Jesus, Mary and Joseph Church can accommodate around 1,500 people and has a gallery with around 300 seats. The old church building was reported to have 200 to 250 seats. These figures refer to different parts of the building and different capacities. Ramps along the sides make access easier for older people and people with disabilities. On the north side, there is an area where mothers with babies and children can attend services.

An additional hall in the basement can be used for other church activities. The parish can also use it for larger gatherings and social programs.

Ashvek Vintage World

Ashvek Vintage World in Nuvem is a vintage car museum. A 2016 report cited a collection of more than 50 classic automobiles and described the museum at the time as the only one of its kind in Goa. This characterization is attributed to that report. If you plan to visit Ashvek Vintage World, check current visitor arrangements in advance.

Cultural highlights in the wider destination of Salcete

In the wider destination of Salcete, the Goa Chitra Ethnographic Museum in Benaulim offers its own focus on cultural history. It illustrates Goa’s agricultural past, primarily through old farming tools and equipment. Set against the backdrop of an organic farm, the museum presents traditions of the past; it also aims to introduce visitors to traditional local implements.

Other distinct attractions in Salcete take you to Margao and Rachol. The Margao Cultural Walk explores Margao on foot; Ana Fonte Garden in Margao features footbridges and fountains with an Oriental design. Rachol Seminary is located right beside the banks of the Zuari River. It was built between 1574 and 1610 and is a center for the study of philosophy and theology.

Rachol Fort also broadens the historical perspective on Salcete. It was built by the Bahmani Sultanate and later fell to the Vijayanagar kings after a prolonged, bloody battle. Today, mainly a ruin remains: an archway over the road to Rachol Seminary and a dried-up moat around the seminary hill.

Discover more destinations: Navelim, Velsao, Majorda, Chicolna, Karmane, Quepem, Mormugao, Bandoli.

Back to the wider travel overview: South Goa.