Right opposite the Basillica de Bom Jesus, is the Roman Catholic Se Cathedral – Goa. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Goa and is also a UNESCO heritage site.
Built in 1510, but the actual construction of the church began in 1562 under the reign of King Dom Sebastião. The Cathedral was finally completed in 1619 and was consecrated in 1640.
The architecture style is Portuguese-Gothic and it is 181 feet by 250 feet, the front elevation is 115 feet high. This oldest and largest Cathedral in Asia was designed by Ambrosio Argueiro and Julio Simao. Out of the five bells in the Cathedral, the largest one is known as the Golden Bell and it is the largest in Goa and the best in the world.
Se Cathedral’s main altar is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria and wooden statues of St Paul and St Peter are placed on either side of the nave. Several paintings decorate the walls.
There are eight chapels in Se Cathedral, the four on the left are dedicated to Our Lady of Virtues, St. Sebastian, the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Life. The ones on the right are dedicated to St Anthony, St Bernard, the Cross of Miracles and the Holy Ghost. The chapels of the Blessed Sacrament and the Cross of Miracles are protected behind finely filigreed wooden screens.
Legend says that the vision of Christ on his cross was seen at the Cross of Miracles. It is also believed that the cross is growing.
St Francis Xavier sacred relics were displayed for the first time at Se Cathedral.
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Ancient Cathedral
Situated: Velha, Goa
Distance: 11.7 Km from Panjim
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Goa has a wide range of staying options and restaurants to suit all budgets
Timing: 7:30 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
