GT Digital
Afonso de Albuquerque made two attempts to conquer Goa, ultimately succeeding on November 25, 1510.
Afonso de Albuquerque captured Old Goa and several neighbouring islands, establishing Old Goa as the capital. Over time, the city became known as the 'Rome of the Orient' (or 'Rome of the East').
The day coincided with the feast of St Catherine, and Afonso de Albuquerque decided to dedicate his triumph to the saint by building the Chapel of St Catherine.
On the exterior of the chapel, an inscription engraved on stone commemorates this event, noting the date the chapel was built.
Afonso de Albuquerque also pledged to build a larger structure, a promise that was eventually fulfilled with the construction of the Se Cathedral in Old Goa.
The arrival of the Portuguese in Goa marked the beginning of their 450-year rule, which had a profound and lasting impact on the region's history, culture and heritage.
The succession of dynastic rulers, followed by foreign influences, has shaped Goa into one of India's most distinctive states.