The Haunted Seminary Arch and the Mystical Village of Rachol in Goa

Leading into the Rachol Village Seminary, the Seminary Arch from the ruined fort is still standing. So is the ghost of a lonesome soldier from Portuguese rule as well if we are to believe the stories. It is said he is still guarding the village, only letting them he deems worthy to enter.

Perched on the scenic banks of the winding tidal Zuari River leading out into the Arabian Sea, the village of Rachol in Goa is a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Yet, beneath its tranquil facade lies a chilling tale that has earned Rachol a reputation as one of Goa’s most haunted locations.

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The Salcete village also known as Raiturais is said to be protected by the ghost of a soldier from the Portuguese colonial era, a spectral sentinel who guards its entrance and keeps watch over its inhabitants said to linger under the Seminary Arch.

Rachol Seminary Arch

The Seminary Arch on Fr. Angelo Road is a significant historical monument, emblematic of Rachol’s rich past from when it was under the leadership of the Jesuits. It leads to the Rachol Seminary, one of the oldest and most prestigious theological institutes in Goa. It used to be connected to Rachol Fort, now only ruins remain of it. The Portuguese abandoned the fort, but the ghosts did not according to the stories.

The famous seminary, established by the Portuguese in the early 17th century, has educated countless clergymen and scholars over the centuries.

Leading into the Rachol Village Seminary, the Seminary Arch from the ruined fort is still standing. So is the ghost of a lonesome soldier from Portuguese rule as well if we are to believe the stories. It is said he is still guarding the village, only letting them he deems worthy to enter. — **The Seminary Arch**: A lonesome soldier is still guarding the Rachol seminary arch. //Source: Wikimedia

The Soldier Haunting the Seminary Arch

According to local lore, the spirit of the soldier is often seen near this arch, meticulously dressed in his military attire. This ghostly figure is believed to patrol the area, ensuring that only those deemed worthy are allowed to enter the sacred grounds of Rachol. Who is worthy enough for this ghost though?

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The origins of the haunting date back to the time when Goa was under Portuguese rule, so the ghosts are said to be centuries old. The soldier, whose name has been lost to history, is said to have been a fierce and loyal protector of the village.

Locals recount numerous stories of strange occurrences and sightings, particularly around the Seminary Arch. It is also said that sightings of this ghost are said to happen around festivals and dates that are important for Portuguese culture, although exact dates are rarely mentioned.

Visitors and residents alike have reported witnessing the spectral soldier donning his uniform and performing his nightly patrol. Some have felt an inexplicable chill when passing under the arch, while others have heard the faint sound of footsteps and the clinking of armor.