Fast Facts
Location : Old Goa,10 kms away from Panaji
Year of Construction : 1562-1619
Style of Architecture : Manueline with Corinthian
Timings : Open from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm, all weekdays,
except during mass.
About the Church
What
attracts you most just opposite the Basilica de Bom Jesus, is of course the
majestic Se Cathedral Church. The largest church in Asia, Se Cathedral is
dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Considered one of the most
sacred buildings for the Christians, the Se Cathedral has been designated as
a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is true, that even today in terms of its
size, no church in Portugal can surpass the Se Cathedral church.
The history says that Portuguese Naval General Alfondso de Albuquerque,
conquered Goa on St. Catherine's day, November 25. The fleet of Alfondso de
Albuquerque, was accompanied by the Dominicans, who were the first
missionaries sent by the Portuguese to India. The Portuguese government
instructed the Viceroy Redondo (1561-64), to built "a grandiose church
worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese." As such, the
Portuguese engineer Julio Simao and Ambrosio Argueiro designed the church
for Dominicans. Subsequently a church was built which was later raised to
the status of cathedral. The church remained under construction for nearly
three-fourths of century, from 1562 to 1619. The main body was completed in
1619 while the altars got the final touch in 1652.
Architecture of the Church
Architecturally, built in Portuguese-Gothic style, the Tuscan exterior of
the building will mesmerize you at first-sight. Originally the 98-ft high
facade was flanked by the two square towers built in the Manueline style. In
1776, the northern tower collapsed, however the southern tower still
survives with a Golden bell. Not only its exterior, but also the Corinthian
interior will leave you spellbind.
Interior of the Church
As you enter through the main doorway of the church, you will see a
pediment supported by lofty Corinthian columns. The pediment contains an
inscription in Latin, a part of which says, " in 1562, in the reign of
King Dom Sebastiao (1557-1578), this cathedral was ordered to be erected."
The two columns which support the choir have two marble basins with the
statues of St. Francies Xavier. Just beneath the choir, is an exquisite
painting of St. Christopher.
In its interior, you will see lofty pillars dividing the 250-ft long
central from the side aisles. As you enter inside the church, to your left
are four chapels dedicated to St. Sebastian, Our Lady of Virtues, Our Lady
of Life and the Blessed Sacrament. To your right, again there are four
chapels dedicated to St. Bernard, the Cross of Miracles, St. Anthony and the
Holy Ghost. Of these, the Chapels of the Cross Miracles and Blessed
Sacrament are provided with perforated wooden screens, having a high level
of filigree.
Of its 15 altars, the main altar is dedicated to St. Catherine, which is
adorned with a magnificent crucifix and has carved frames depicting scenes
from the life of St. Catherine. Other altars which you will see are
dedicated to Our Lady of Hope, Our Lady of Anguish and Our Lady of Three
Needs, St. Anna, Our Lady of Doloures and St. Peter.
