Se Cathedral, Goa
Among the most visited places in India, Goa undoubtedly attracts a huge tourist crowd from the different corners of the world. A perfect spiritual retreat, the place is filled with delightfully charming monuments founded during the colonial period. Among these monuments, probably Se Cathedral in Goa is the most iconic one. Dedicated to Alexandrian St. Catherine, the church is one of the largest cathedrals in Asia. The architectural style of the monument is a typically Portuguese, with elements of Corinthian and Tuscan origins scattered here and there.If you are planning on visiting this beautiful church, then this write-up would help you in uncovering its stunning features.
Keynote on Se Cathedral, Goa
Se Cathedral in Goa
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Address: Velha, Goa 403402
Type of monument: Cathedral
Dedication: St. Catherine of Alexandria
Architectural style: Portuguese-Gothic
Opening time: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm
Entry fee: Free
Visit duration: Almost one hour
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: Buses and private taxis available
The overview of Se Cathedral, Goa
The Goa St. Cathedral, located in the Old Goa premise, is one of the finest churches in the region. Listed under the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, the church is the centre for Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman – making it an important monument of the local community. Also, referred to as the Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, the church was constructed to memorialize the victory of Portuguese army and capture of Goa.The church has five stunning bells, among which the Golden Bell of Se Cathedral, Goa is one of the biggest in the state. Apart from that, the church has fourteen altars – each one carved with great precision. Main altar covered in gold plated decorations, houses the image of St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Home to several legends, the church is frequently visited by devotees and believers of St. Catherine.
History of Se Cathedral, Goa
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The Interior of the Cathedral
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The construction began in 1562 under the supervision of Goa’s Archbishop, and continued till 1652. However, a huge chunk of the construction was over by 1619. The rest of the construction time was dedicated to building the main altars in 1652. Interestingly, the church was sanctified in 1640.
Architecture of Se Cathedral, Goa
Being a perfect example of the Portuguese-Manueline style of architecture, the St. Cathedral is a one of the famous 16th century monuments of Goa. As you move through the church, you will find several features resonating to Spanish Plateresque and late Gothic architecture. The huge edifice of the Cathedral is built on laterite plinth. Interestingly, the interior of the cathedral is laid out in the form of a Greek crucifix although the exterior is in rectangular shape.Overall, the stunning Se Cathedral, Goa is one of the most stunning monuments of the region.