If you are looking for a place to witness the glorious history and the rich culture of Goa, then you should not miss the Se Cathedral Goa, the largest church in Asia and a marvel of Portuguese architecture. The Se Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Old Goa.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the Se Cathedral Goa, such as its timings, mass, history, architecture, how to reach, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover, or a spiritual seeker, you will find something to admire and appreciate in this magnificent monument of faith.
History
The Se Cathedral Goa was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Muslim rulers of Goa in 1510. The construction of the church began in 1562, under the reign of King Dom Sebastiao, and took more than 80 years to complete. The church was consecrated in 1640, on the feast day of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the patroness of the church and the conquerors of Goa. The church is dedicated to her, as she was a Christian martyr who suffered torture and death for her faith.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the history of the Se Cathedral Goa is the legend of the miraculous cross. According to the legend, a vision of Christ appeared on the cross in the chapel of the cross in 1919, and the cross has been growing in size ever since. Many devotees believe that the cross has healing powers and visit the chapel to pray and seek blessings.
Architecture
The Se Cathedral Goa is a masterpiece of Portuguese-Gothic style, with influences of Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque elements. The church has a striking facade, with a large rose window, a triangular pediment, and two towers. One of the towers houses the famous golden bell, which is the largest bell in Goa and has a rich and sonorous sound. The other tower was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1776 and was never rebuilt.
The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a spacious and elegant nave, a vaulted ceiling, and a large altar. The altar is adorned with a gilded reredos, depicting the life of St. Catherine and the scenes from the conquest of Goa.
The church also has several chapels and altars, dedicated to various saints and religious orders. The most notable ones are the main altar, which has a silver statue of St. Catherine, the baptismal font, which was used by St. Francis Xavier, the chapel of the cross, which has the miraculous cross, and the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, which has a beautiful silver tabernacle and a painting of the Last Supper.
The church also has a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and relics, showcasing the artistic and cultural heritage of Goa. Some of the highlights are the paintings of the apostles, which are copies of the originals by the Italian painter Pompeo Batoni, the wooden statue of St. Paul, which is one of the oldest statues in Goa, and the golden rose, which is a papal gift from Pope Pius XII to the church.
Timings and Mass
The Se Cathedral Goa is open for visitors from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm every day, except on Sundays and public holidays, when it is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entry to the church is free, but there is a nominal fee for the use of cameras and video cameras. The church also has a souvenir shop, where you can buy books, postcards, and other items related to the church.
The mass services at the Se Cathedral Goa are held in different languages and at different times, depending on the day of the week and the season of the year. The regular mass timings are as follows:
Monday to Saturday: 7:30 am (Konkani), 8:15 am (English), 6:00 pm (Konkani)
Sunday: 7:15 am (Konkani), 8:15 am (English), 9:15 am (Konkani), 10:15 am (English), 4:00 pm (Konkani), 5:00 pm (English), 6:00 pm (Konkani)
The church also hosts special ceremonies and events throughout the year, such as the feast of St. Catherine, which is celebrated on November 25, the Christmas, which is celebrated with midnight mass and carols, and the Easter, which is celebrated with processions and prayers.
If you are planning to attend the mass or visit the church, you should follow some basic etiquette and rules, such as:
- Dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees
- Do not take photos or videos inside the church, especially during the mass
- Maintain silence and decorum inside the church, and do not disturb the worshippers
- Do not touch or damage any of the artifacts or paintings in the church
How to Reach
The Se Cathedral Goa is located in Old Goa, which is about 10 km from the capital city of Panaji, and about 27 km from the Dabolim airport. You can reach the church by various modes of transportation, such as:
Taxi:
You can hire a prepaid or a metered taxi from the airport, the railway station, or the bus stand, and reach the church in about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare may vary from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000, depending on the distance and the type of taxi.
Bus:
You can take a bus from the Panaji bus stand, the Mapusa bus stand, or the Margao bus stand, and get down at the Old Goa bus stop, which is about 1 km from the church. The bus fare may range from Rs. 10 to Rs. 30, depending on the distance and the type of bus.
Bike:
You can rent a bike or a scooter from Panaji, Mapusa, or Margao, and drive to the church, following the signboards and the directions. The bike rental may cost from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 per day, depending on the type and the condition of the bike.
Car:
You can rent a car or a self-drive car from Panaji, Mapusa, or Margao, and drive to the church, following the signboards and the directions. The car rental may cost from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per day, depending on the type and the condition of the car.
If you need more information or assistance to reach the Se Cathedral Goa, you can contact the church office at +91-832-2285790 or visit the official website of the church at www.secathedralgoa.com.
Nearby Attractions
The Se Cathedral Goa is not the only attraction in Old Goa, which is also known as the Rome of the East for its abundance of churches and monuments. After visiting the Se Cathedral, you can explore the other nearby attractions, such as:
Basilica of Bom Jesus:
This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most revered churches in Goa. It is famous for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, which are displayed in a silver casket every 10 years. The church also has a museum, a gallery, and a library, where you can learn more about the life and the miracles of St. Francis Xavier.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi:
This is a beautiful church, built in the 17th century, with a blend of Tuscan, Baroque, and Manueline styles. It has a stunning facade, a decorated nave, and a richly carved altar. The church also has an archaeological museum, where you can see the artifacts, sculptures, and paintings from the Portuguese era.
Archaeological Museum:
This is a museum, located in the former convent of St. Francis of Assisi, where you can see the relics, coins, inscriptions, and portraits from the prehistoric, ancient, and medieval periods of Goa. The museum also has a portrait gallery, where you can see the paintings of the Portuguese viceroys and governors of Goa.
Old Goa Heritage Walk:
This is a guided walking tour, organized by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, where you can explore the other churches and monuments of Old Goa, such as the Church of St. Cajetan, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of St. Catherine, and the Viceroy’s Arch. The tour also gives you an insight into the history, culture, and architecture of Old Goa.
The Se Cathedral Goa is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the splendor and the spirituality of Goa. It is a place where you can admire the beauty and the grandeur of the largest church in Asia, learn about the fascinating history and the legend of the miraculous cross, and participate in the mass and the ceremonies of the church. It is also a place where you can explore the other attractions and the heritage of Old Goa, and discover the rich and diverse legacy of Goa.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Goa today, and visit the Se Cathedral!
