The St. James church located at Agashi on the road connecting Virar and Arnala, was first built in 1558.
Portuguese were the best known seafarers among the European clans who built homes near the sea wherever they went. '
Agasi', the then small port village was one such place.
Owing to its nearness to the sea and availability of wood from the jungles, which the Portuguese needed for boat building and constructions, Agashi soon became a permanent settlement for the Portuguese.
The St. James Church that came into being during this early period was built using stones and bricks hence it withheld during the Muslim attacks of 1594.
But during the raids of Marathas of 1739 it was mostly destroyed.
The Marathas however permitted the priests to carry on religious ceremonies in the region and the church was rebuilt by 1760.
In the year 1900 the church was renovated.
The St. James church located at Agashi on the road connecting Virar and Arnala, was first built in 1558. Portuguese were the best known seafarers among the European clans who built homes near the sea wherever they went. 'Agasi', the then small port village was one such place. Owing to its nearness to the sea and availability of wood from the jungles, which the Portuguese needed for boat building and constructions, Agashi soon became a permanent settlement for the Portuguese. The St. James Church that came into being during this early period was built using stones and bricks hence it withheld during the Muslim attacks of 1594. But during the raids of Marathas of 1739 it was mostly destroyed. The Marathas however permitted the priests to carry on religious ceremonies in the region and the church was rebuilt by 1760. In the year 1900 the church was renovated.
Virar