Se Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Goa. The Portuguese got this church constructed to mark their victory of Goa against the Muslim rulers in 1619. It was blessed in 1640 and was pledged to Saint Catherine. The whole structure of this church is styled on Portuguese-Maneulin architectural form and features a Tuscan inspired exterior. Its interiors are decorated with Corinthian styled elements. The Holy cross housed here keeps increasing in size every year. Devotees believe that it was in this church that a vision of Jesus appeared in1619. 

The Unique Experience

Have you always been fascinated with heritage sites? Well, why don’t you come to Goa, and visit this UNESCO declared World Heritage Site? You will definitely drop to your knees when you come face to face with this magnificent and ancient church. It’s a celebrated monument. For all history buffs, visiting this church will prove inspirational for their research into the Portuguese style of architecture. 

History of SE CATHEDRAL

It was in the middle part of the 17th century that this church was built. Its construction started in 1562 under the King Dom Sebastiao. Initially, there were two towers in this church, but, one crumbled in 1776. It was never rebuilt.

Few lines on se Cathedral Church

This church is very popular in Goa tour packages. The cathedral is an epitome of Portuguese styled architecture and houses quite extraordinary features not seen elsewhere. For example, the Golden Bell housed here is Goa’s largest. The most prominent attraction here is St. Catherine’s altar that is decked up with a variety of ancient paintings on either side.

One can also see the offering place at the altar which has six panels, each reflecting scenes from Catherine’s life. Other features to enthral you are St. Paul’s and St. Peter’s statues made out of wood. There is also an archaeological museum connected with the church. It is worth visiting. 

What else?

On the entrance of the church, there are inscriptions in Latin, and there are eight chapels. The most noteworthy feature of two of these chapels is the filigree carving seen on the wooden screens. Visitors will also be left awe-stuck with the beautiful ceiling paintings present in the church.