Have you ever visited a place reeking of a glorious past? A location giving glimpses into the magnificent history it once had. Dominican Monastery, also christened as ‘the ruined church’ is one such place. Housed in the Moti Daman Fort, standing the tests of time, The Dominican Monastery in Daman and Diu is full of stories of the past. All history and architecture students can take a group tour package to Daman and Diu and visit the remains of this marvel of Portuguese architecture.
There are several places to visit in Daman and Diu and this ancient ruins site holds a special place amongst them. Of the famous Bollywood movie ‘Agneepath’ fame, Daman is divided into two parts, Nani Daman ( Little Daman) and Moti Daman, tourists can find the remains of the Dominican Monastery in the Moti Daman area.
Once revered as the most esteemed church in the whole territory, the Dominican Monastery is estimated to have been built in 1567 in memory of Saint Dominic. In the 15th century, this place acted as a seat for theological knowledge and was visited by Christians from far and wide. A devastating earthquake is said to have destroyed the Dominican Monastery in Daman and Diu and several lives were lost with it too. This church was a beautiful demonstration of brilliant craftsmanship and displayed traits of Portuguese architecture the same as most of the structures of the territory.
Every year on the 2nd of February, the Catholic Community assembles in the Dominican Monastery’s compound, to hear stories and occurrences that took place at the monastery in the past, by the clergy. Another occasion when the devotees gather for a mass to pay homage to Saint Dominic and the lost souls, is on the third Sunday of December, every year.
