475 Year Old Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Award: Community-Led Conservation Earns Global Recognition

In the State of Maharashtra, the 475 year old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai has won the prestigious Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The announcement was made in Bangkok, marking global recognition for a remarkable community-funded restoration project. Built in the 16th century without cement and the historic stone cathedral in Papdy village has been carefully revived, preserving its Portuguese-era architectural legacy and spiritual significance.

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral: A Living Legacy of Portuguese Architecture

The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral stands as a tangible symbol of the establishment of Catholicism in Maharashtra. Built in the 16th century, the cathedral reflects Portuguese colonial architecture in India.

Key architectural features include,

• Stone structure built using mud (no cement or bricks)
• Hand carved liturgical elements
• Traditional Mangalore tiled roof
• Historic bell tower and colonnades

Over centuries, natural wear and well-meaning but incorrect repairs had weakened parts of the structure. The recent restoration has brought it back to life while retaining its authenticity.

UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards 2025: Why Vasai Cathedral Won

The project received the Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2025 edition.

According to the UNESCO citation, the conservation effort was noteworthy because:

• It revived a sixteenth century Portuguese-era structure
• It used traditional craftsmanship techniques
• It reinstated the cathedral as a living place of worship
• It was achieved with sustained community engagement
• It demonstrated sustainability despite a modest budget

The awards silver jubilee edition saw 90 entries from 16 countries, making the competition intense.

Community Funded Restoration Worth ₹4.5 Crore

The conservation project cost approximately ₹4.5 crore, funded largely by the local parish community.

The restoration was executed by conservation architect Ainsley Lewis, who emphasized the importance of community involvement. Every structural intervention, from roof repairs to interior detailing, was carefully explained to stakeholders.

Major restoration works included,

• Repairing the leaking Mangalore tiled roof
• Strengthening the bell tower
• Restoring façade and corridors
• Reviving hand-carved interior elements
• Removing earlier incorrect repair work
• The project ran from 2023 to 2024 under the leadership of former parish priest Fr John Furgose, with support from Archbishop Felix Machado.

Global Winners at UNESCO Awards 2025

While the Vasai Cathedral won the Award of Merit, the highest Award of Distinction went to projects in Japan and China.

• Iwami Ginzan Library Conservation Project, Oda, Japan
• Sihang Warehouse Conservation Project, Shanghai, China

The jury evaluated projects based on,

• Understanding of place
• Technical achievement
• Sustainability
• Long term community impact

The recognition places Vasai on the global heritage tourism map.

Background of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Awards

The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation were established to recognize outstanding efforts in preserving built heritage across the region.

These awards,

• Encourage sustainable conservation practices
• Promote traditional craftsmanship
• Highlight community participation
• Strengthen cultural identity
• The 2025 edition marked the silver jubilee (25th year) of the awards.

Question

Q. The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai received which recognition in 2025?

A) Padma Shri
B) UNESCO Award of Merit
C) Bharat Ratna
D) INTACH Gold Medal