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The Dominican Monastery is one of the most popular attractions in the heart of Daman.This church is associated with a lot of prestige and is greatly revered by the Christian community of Daman. The Dominican Monastery dates back to 1567 when it was built to commemorate St. Dominic. It is alternatively referred to as the “Ruined Church” and provides an exquisite archaeological site for tourists to admire. It is believed that lessons in theology were once imparted to scholars here, before they travelled across the world, preaching them. The church is believed to have been destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake.
Dominican Monastery Daman Location
Photo: Bhavesh Kamaliya / Wikimedia Commons
The monastery is located within the Moti Daman Fort. The exact Dominican Monastery address is Rua Martim Afonso, Fort Area, Moti Daman, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 396220.
How To Reach Dominican Monastery
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There are several ways in which you can reach the Dominican Monastery Daman. It is well connected to the rest of the Union territories.
By Air: While Daman does have its airport, it functions only as a military base. The commercial airport closest to Daman is that of Surat. You have to cover a distance of 84km from the Surat Airport in Gujarat to reach Daman.
By Rail: The railway station that lies closest to the monastery is that of Vapi Railway Station. Trains from a lot of important cities in Western India stop at this station. The station is located 12 km from the monastery which can be covered via an auto-rickshaw or a hired taxi.
By Road: Daman is accessible by road via the National Highway 48. You can rent a car or hire a taxi from Vapi in Gujarat, located 13.2 km from Daman. You can also take a bus from Ahmedabad. The GEC Bus Stop in Daman is where buses from other cities stop by.
Places To Visit Near Dominican Monastery
Here is a curated list of some of the tourist attractions around the Dominican Monastery that you can visit.
1. Jampore Beach
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Jampore Beach is known for being an idyllic coastal getaway lined by lush green trees. The beach lies very close to the Moti Daman Fort and attracts visitors with its musical events conducted during weekends. You can also try water sports like speed boat rides, water skiing and banana boat rides. Even if you are not a fan of water, this beach has got you covered with its horseback rides and camel rides. The beach is well-maintained and is known for its black sandy terrain.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Monastery: 2.7 km
2. Jetty Garden
Photo: Nizil Shah / Wikimedia Commons
The Jetty Garden in Daman lies at the estuary formed by the confluence of the river Daman Ganga and the Arabian Sea. Spanning across 4000 sq.m of land, various species of birds gather in this garden, producing a wonderful sight for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The swings and slides in this garden keep children engaged. The Narali Poornima Boat Race is a popular occasion celebrated in the garden premises every year. People visit this garden during the evening to witness picturesque sunset views.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Monastery: 1 km
3. Fort Of St. Jerome
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
Lying adjacent to the Jetty Garden, the Fort of St. Jerome is situated along the banks of the river Daman Ganga. The fort reconstructs the history of Daman and is a remnant of its Portuguese colonial past. The gates of St. Jerome Fort are majestically designed and it is known for a colossal statue of St. Jerome, an eminent Catholic priest. The fort also houses a co-cathedral enshrining Our Lady of the Sea, and the ammunition houses and barracks were built to aid the Portuguese military.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Distance From The Monastery: 3.6 km
4. Bom Jesus Church
Photo: Danny Burke / Wikimedia Commons
This church is considered sacred by the Christian community in and around Daman. Since the 17th century, this church has been attracting a lot of devotees and tourists. The gateways that lead to the church have been meticulously designed according to the Portuguese style of architecture. Its interior has been ornately carved and the church is indeed an architectural marvel in Daman. A lot of gold has been incorporated to balance out the wooden elements in the church, like the altar.
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Distance From The Monastery: 400 m
5. Devka Beach
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
Devka Beach is located in Nani Daman and is extremely popular among tourists. Repleted with pristine sands and a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea coast, the beach is quite large and is relatively vacant compared to other beaches in Daman. The beach, however, is not fit for swimming because it has a rocky terrain. There is an amusement park with swings and slides for children and the beach is also surrounded by numerous luxury resorts.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Monastery: 6.7 km
Where To Stay
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The Praveg Beach Resort is a luxurious property at a distance of just 160 m from the monastery. The rooms are spacious with a pure vegetarian restaurant within this resort. Hotel Brighton Daman is a great place which is located around 1 km away from the monastery. Some other great stay options are Le Pension Daman Guest House, Urbane by Retreat and the Nest Beacon Resort.
Where To Eat
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There are several restaurants, eateries and cafés where you can step in for a comfortable dining experience near the monastery. The Backyard Café is located in the Fort Area in Daman, known for its snacks and beverages. Some of their specialities include Onion Rings and Green Chicken 65. Infinity Café and Multi Cuisine is a popular restaurant on Jetty Road, close to Jetty Garden. It is known for both continental and Indian dishes. Some of their specialities include Bruschetta and Cappuccino.
Best Time To Visit Dominican Monastery
Photo: Bhavesh Kamaliya / Wikimedia Commons
It is best that you visit the monastery between October and February. During this time, Daman experiences moderate weather conditions. You can also visit the monastery on the 2nd of February when the history of the church is narrated by clergymen every year. On the third Sunday of December every year, the Catholic community gathers for a special mass to pay homage to St. Dominic and the souls of those who lost their lives during the earthquake.
Other Factors To Consider
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There are many factors that you must take into consideration before visiting the monastery. These include the expenses, transport and how you conduct yourself as a tourist in Daman.
Average Cost Of The Trip
A five-day-long trip to Daman may cost around ₹21,000 per person. You can cover many places, apart from the monastery.
Tips For Travellers
- Avoid visiting the monastery during the monsoon season, from June to September.
- It may not be a pleasant experience when the weather is stormy and unpredictable.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you will have to walk a lot in and around the monastery.
The Dominican Monastery exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of Daman. It is a beautiful space that radiates spirituality, even though it is in ruins. It is perfect for those who are enthusiastic about history and the glory of the past. If you are looking forward to visiting the Dominican Monastery, do not forget to plan your trip to Daman soon with TripXL for a hassle-free vacation experience.
Cover Photo: Sunil Jose / Wikimedia Commons
