Location:
Old Goa, 9 kilometers from Panaji
Highlights: Largest church in Asia, giant bells and exquisite
architecture
How to Reach: One can always hire local transport like taxi,
auto or bus from Panaji or any other nearby place to reach the Se
Cathedral in Goa.
The Se Cathedral of Goa is located in old Goa, and is around 9
kilometers from the capital city Panaji. The Se Cathedral of Goa is
dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. This magnificent edifice was
built in the 16th century under the Portuguese rule in India. The
construction of the church began in 1562 and finished in 1619. It was
sanctified in 1640. After the construction, the Se Cathedral of Goa was
declared to be the largest church in Asia.
The architecture of Se Cathedral is stunningly elaborate. The
architectural style is an amalgamation of Gothic elements and typical
Portuguese style. The exterior of the church is constructed in the
Tuscan style while the interiors have been constructed in the Corinthian
style. The length of the church is 250 feet and the breadth is 181 feet.
The entrance of the church is ornately decorated and measures around 115
feet in height. The church is stunningly decorated yet the style is
strikingly simple.
The church is famous for its giant bell known as the "Golden Bell".
The bell is known for its melody and rich tone and is the largest bell
in Goa and one of the best in the world. The walls of the church are
decorated with lovely paintings that are quite old. On the right side of
the main altar, there is a chapel of Cross of Miracles. It is said that
here a vision of Jesus Christ had appeared in the year 1919. They say
since then, the cross hung over there has been growing in size slowly.
There is a golden screen just behind the main altar in the church that
looks splendid. The Se Cathedral is a must visit while touring Goa.
