Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award

• 24 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy, Vasai (Maharashtra), has been conferred with the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Key Points:

• Period: Built in the mid-16th century (Portuguese colonial era)
• Historical Context: Vasai (earlier Baçaim) was a major Portuguese stronghold on India’s western coast.
  • The cathedral reflects the spread of Christianity, Indo-Portuguese architecture, and maritime trade networks in the early modern period.
• Conservation Project: The restoration strictly adhered to traditional techniques, using lime mortar and indigenous stone instead of modern cement to preserve the building's "breathability" and historical integrity.
• Community Participation: The project is a landmark example of crowdfunded conservation. 
  • The local parish community raised approximately ₹4.75 crore for the restoration without government grants.
• Technical Excellence: Led by conservation architect Ainsley Lewis, the work involved structural stabilization of the bell tower, repairing the Mangalore-tiled roof, and restoring intricate wood carvings.
• Legacy: The UNESCO jury noted that the project successfully preserved the cathedral as a "living heritage" site that remains central to the socio-cultural life of Vasai.
• UNESCO Award: The cathedral received the UNESCO Asia‑Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
  • These awards recognise:
    • Conservation of historic structures in the Asia-Pacific region
    • Projects that demonstrate authenticity, technical excellence, and community engagement

Read More: UNESCO