Maharashtra: Vasai’s Cathedral conferred UNESCO heritage award

The iconic Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, located in Palghar district of Maharashtra, has been conferred the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.Popularly known as the Vasai Cathedral, the historic church is situated at Papdy in Vasai West, nearly 80 km from downtown Mumbai. The structure dates back to 1574 and stands as a significant symbol of the region’s colonial and religious heritage. Over the past few years, the cathedral underwent extensive restoration work aimed at preserving its architectural and spiritual legacy.
In its citation, UNESCO said, “The conservation of the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, a tangible testament to the establishment of Catholicism in Maharashtra, is noteworthy for reviving a sixteenth-century structure that embodies the architectural legacy of the Portuguese colonial architecture in India. Of particular significance is the thoughtful restoration of the cathedral’s interior, a space of profound ritual and spiritual significance.”“The skilled use of traditional craftsmanship, especially in the hand-carved renewal of liturgical elements, successfully reinstated the interior as a living place of worship and communal devotion. Despite a modest budget, the project was realised through the parish community’s sustained engagement and donation network, underscoring the vital role of local participation in heritage conservation,” the citation added.
The recognition places the Vasai Cathedral among notable heritage conservation projects in the Asia-Pacific region and highlights the importance of community-driven efforts in preserving historic monuments.