Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina: A Testament to Portuguese Triumph

The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, often simply called Se Cathedral, is a magnificent landmark in Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the cathedral of the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, it holds immense religious significance. The 'Se' in its name means 'See' in Portuguese. Built to commemorate the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510, led by Afonso de Albuquerque, the victory coincided with the feast day of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, to whom the cathedral is dedicated. Construction began in 1562, during the reign of King Dom Sebastiao, and concluded in 1652. The cathedral's architecture is a blend of Portuguese-Manueline style, incorporating late Gothic, Spanish Plateresque, Mudejar, Flemish, and Italian Urban design elements. The exterior presents a Tuscan style, while the interior showcases Corinthian influences. The cathedral measures 250 feet (76 m) in length and 181 feet (55 m) in breadth, with a façade reaching 115 feet (35 m) high. Originally, it had two towers, but one collapsed in 1776 and was never rebuilt, lending the cathedral a distinctive, asymmetrical appearance. Inside, the cathedral is laid out in the form of a crucifix and features 14 altars. The main altar is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria and is adorned with gilded reredos depicting scenes from her life and martyrdom. Other notable features include the Golden Bell, the largest in Goa and one of the best in the world, a baptismal font used by St. Francis Xavier, and the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, the Se Cathedral welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and admire its artistic details. Modest dress is recommended.