Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount

The history of Mount Mary Church, or the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, traces back to the 16th century when Jesuit priests constructed a small chapel on this hill in 1570. This original structure housed a statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Portugal. However, the chapel faced significant turmoil in 1738 during a Maratha invasion, resulting in the destruction of the building and the statue's arm being broken. Legend says the statue was hidden and later recovered from the sea by a local fisherman who had dreamt of its location. In 1761, the church was rebuilt, and the site became a focal point for devotees across all faiths. The current semi-Gothic structure that visitors see today was completed in 1904 to celebrate the golden jubilee of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Designed by architect Shapoorjee Chandabhoy, the building features two towering spires and intricate stone carvings that reflect the architectural grandeur of British-era Mumbai. Over the centuries, the Basilica has evolved from a humble hilltop chapel into a major pilgrimage destination, especially famous for its annual feast day. In 1954, it was officially designated as a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XII, cementing its spiritual importance in the Catholic world and its status as a landmark of Mumbai's diverse cultural heritage.