Global Recognition for Vasai Heritage
Vasai Cathedral Secures UNESCO Asia Pacific Award 2025: The 475-year-old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, has received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit 2025 for cultural heritage conservation. The announcement was made in Bangkok during the silver jubilee edition of the awards.
The cathedral, built in the 16th century, represents a major example of Portuguese-era ecclesiastical architecture in India. The award recognizes a successful restoration achieved through community participation and traditional craftsmanship.
Static GK fact: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was established in 1945, and its headquarters is in Paris, France.
Architectural Legacy of the Cathedral
The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral stands in Papdy village of Vasai and symbolizes the early spread of Catholicism in western India. The structure was originally constructed without cement, using mud and stone masonry techniques.
Key architectural elements include a stone-built structure, Mangalore tiled roof, hand-carved liturgical details, a historic bell tower, and colonnaded corridors. The absence of modern cement reflects traditional coastal construction methods adapted to humid conditions.
Over centuries, weather damage and improper repairs weakened portions of the building. The recent conservation project restored structural stability while preserving historical authenticity.
Static GK Tip: The Portuguese established their first Indian stronghold in Goa in 1510, under Afonso de Albuquerque.
Community Funded Restoration Model
The restoration project cost approximately ₹4.5 crore, funded largely by the local parish community. This makes it a strong example of Community-Led Conservation in India.
The project was executed between 2023 and 2024 under conservation architect Ainsley Lewis. Structural repairs included strengthening the bell tower, restoring façades, removing earlier incorrect cement repairs, and repairing the leaking Mangalore-tiled roof.
Leadership support was provided by former parish priest Fr John Furgose and Archbishop Felix Machado. Every intervention followed sustainable and traditional construction practices.
The UNESCO jury highlighted sustained community engagement and technical sensitivity as key reasons for the award.
About UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards 2025
The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation were instituted to recognize excellence in preserving built heritage across the region. The 2025 edition marked its 25th year, making it the silver jubilee edition.
This year witnessed 90 entries from 16 countries, reflecting intense competition. While Vasai Cathedral received the Award of Merit, the highest Award of Distinction was conferred on projects in Japan and China.
Evaluation criteria included understanding of place, technical achievement, sustainability, and long-term community impact.
Static GK fact: The Asia-Pacific region under UNESCO includes South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Pacific island nations.
Cultural and Tourism Significance
The recognition enhances Vasai’s heritage tourism potential and strengthens Maharashtra’s cultural identity. It also reinforces the importance of sustainable conservation rather than commercial reconstruction.
The award demonstrates that modest-budget, community-driven projects can achieve global standards. It further encourages preservation of colonial-era heritage structures across India.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Vasai Cathedral Secures UNESCO Asia Pacific Award 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Award | UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit 2025 |
| Heritage Site | Our Lady of Grace Cathedral |
| Location | Vasai, Maharashtra |
| Built | 16th Century |
| Restoration Cost | ₹4.5 crore |
| Restoration Period | 2023–2024 |
| Architectural Style | Portuguese colonial ecclesiastical |
| Award Edition | 25th (Silver Jubilee) |
| UNESCO Established | 1945 |
| UNESCO Headquarters | Paris, France |
