Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Award for Conservation

A 475-year-old cathedral in Vasai has received international recognition for its community-led restoration. The conservation of the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy village earned the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, announced in Bangkok. The honour highlights the successful revival of a sixteenth-century Portuguese-era structure through traditional craftsmanship and local participation.

Reviving a Portuguese-Era Landmark

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral stands as a testament to the spread of Catholicism in Maharashtra during Portuguese rule. Built without cement or bricks, the stone structure relied on mud-based construction techniques typical of the era. Over centuries, exposure to monsoon weather and ad hoc repairs weakened parts of the cathedral, including its roof and bell tower.

The restoration, costing approximately Rs 4.5 crore, addressed structural instability and reversed earlier inappropriate repairs. The project restored the roof, façade, corridors, colonnade and intricately carved interior liturgical elements, ensuring both architectural integrity and continued religious use.

Community-Funded Conservation Effort

The project was executed by conservation architect Ainsley Lewis, working closely with parish members and church authorities. The local community financed the restoration through sustained donations, demonstrating strong stakeholder engagement.

The UNESCO citation praised the “skilled use of traditional craftsmanship” and the revival of the cathedral as a living place of worship. The award jury assessed 90 entries from 16 countries, selecting winners based on technical achievement, sustainability and understanding of place.

Important Facts for Exams

• The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards recognise heritage conservation projects in the region.
• Portuguese colonial architecture significantly influenced western India’s coastal regions.
• Vasai, formerly known as Bassein, was a major Portuguese stronghold in the 16th century.
• Community participation is a key criterion in UNESCO heritage conservation recognition.

Global Recognition in Silver Jubilee Year

The 2025 awards marked the silver jubilee of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific heritage programme. The highest Award of Distinction went to projects in Japan and China, while other recognised sites were located in Malaysia, Nepal and Vanuatu. The Vasai cathedral’s Award of Merit places it among notable regional conservation successes, reinforcing India’s growing profile in heritage preservation through collaborative, community-driven initiatives.