Se Cathedral, or Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, stands as one of India’s most renowned churches. Nestled in Old Goa, it exemplifies the beauty of Portuguese architecture and is an essential stop for anyone visiting Goa.
The history of the cathedral dates back to the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510, a pivotal event for Europeans in the area. Constructed to commemorate this victory, the cathedral reflects the magnificence of Portuguese influence. Now, let’s delve into the intriguing aspects of Se Cathedral.
What is Se Cathedral?
Se Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Catherine, is one of the largest churches in Asia. It is located in the city of Old Goa, India which was once the capital of Portuguese India. The cathedral was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. With its stunning architecture and rich history, it attracts many visitors every year.
The History of Se Cathedral, Goa
Se Cathedral, officially known as Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, is a significant historical and religious landmark located in Old Goa, India. Its construction and rich history reflect the Portuguese colonial influence in the region. Here’s a detailed look at the history of this magnificent cathedral.
Foundation and Construction
Purpose: Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese forces, led by Afonso de Albuquerque, over the Muslim ruler of Bijapur in 1510. This victory occurred on the feast day of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, which is why the cathedral is dedicated to her.
Commissioning: The cathedral was commissioned by Governor George Cabral in 1552 to be enlarged on the remains of an earlier church structure. The construction officially began in 1562 during the reign of King Dom Sebastião.
Duration: The construction took a remarkable 80 years to complete, with the cathedral being finished in 1619. It was consecrated in 1640.
Architectural Features: Originally, Se Cathedral had two towers; however, one collapsed in 1776 due to a lightning strike and was never rebuilt. The remaining tower houses the famous “Golden Bell,” known for its rich tone and considered one of the largest bells in India.
Architectural Style
Se Cathedral is designed in a mix of architectural styles:
Exterior: The exterior showcases a plain Tuscan style that reflects simplicity and strength.
Interior: Inside, the cathedral features a grand Corinthian style with a cruciform layout. The main altar is dedicated to Saint Catherine and is adorned with intricate carvings and gold embellishments.
Dimensions: The cathedral measures approximately 76 meters (250 feet) in length and 55 meters (181 feet) in width, making it one of the largest churches in Asia.
Golden Bell: One of the cathedral’s highlights is the Golden Bell, which is one of the largest bells in India. It has a rich tone that can be heard across the region.
Chapels and Altars: Inside, there are eight chapels along with numerous altars that display intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Saint Catherine’s life.
Significant Events
Golden Rose Award: In 1953, Se Cathedral was honored with “The Golden Rose” by Pope Pius XII. This gold ornament symbolizes reverence and affection from the papacy and is placed on the tomb of Saint Francis Xavier within the cathedral.
Miraculous Cross Legend: A notable legend associated with Se Cathedral is that of the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles. In 1919, a vision of Christ reportedly appeared on a cross located within this chapel. Many devotees believe this cross has miraculous powers.
Cultural Impact
Se Cathedral has played a crucial role not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of Goa’s rich cultural heritage. It has been recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes various churches and convents in Old Goa.
The cathedral serves as an important site for both locals and tourists, who come to admire its architectural beauty and historical significance. It continues to be an active place for religious services and community gatherings.
Visiting Se Cathedral
If you plan to visit Se Cathedral, here are some important details:
Location: The cathedral is located in Old Goa, about 12 kilometers from Panaji (the capital of Goa) and 28 kilometers from Goa International Airport.
Timings: It is open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit Se Cathedral, but visitors are expected to dress modestly.
Dress Code: Visitors should dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees. Sleeveless shirts and shorts are not allowed.
Photography: Photography is allowed for personal use, but it is best to avoid taking pictures during services.
Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit are from November to March when the weather is pleasant.
Mass Timings
Se Cathedral, located in Old Goa, is one of the largest churches in Asia and a significant historical site. The mass timings at Se Cathedral vary by day and language. Here are the details:
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)
What to See Inside
When you enter Se Cathedral, you will notice its vast interior that feels both peaceful and grand. Some key attractions include:
Main Altar: Dedicated to Saint Catherine, it features beautiful gold embellishments and intricate carvings.
Chapel of Cross of Miracles: This chapel holds a cross that is said to have miraculous powers and has a fascinating story behind it.
Baptismal Font: A historic font used by Saint Francis Xavier for baptizing converts can also be found here.
Artworks: The walls are adorned with paintings and carvings that tell stories from the Bible and highlight the life of Saint Catherine.
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Conclusion
The Se Cathedral in Goa is a really cool and important church that shows a lot about the area’s history, especially how Portugal influenced it. It’s not just a place for prayer but also a big part of history. It has a special design and important religious items, and it’s even recognized by UNESCO, which is a big deal!
This church in Goa is like a history book you can walk into. It has amazing architecture, a lot of stories to tell, and a peaceful atmosphere.
No matter what you’re into – history, buildings, or just seeing beautiful places – the Se Cathedral has something for you. So, if you’re planning a trip to Goa, don’t forget to put this awesome place on your list!
FAQs:
1. What is Se Cathedral?
Se Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Old Goa, dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
2. When was Se Cathedral built?
Construction began in 1562 and was completed in 1619, with consecration occurring in 1640.
3. Why was Se Cathedral built?
It was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over a Muslim army on the feast day of Saint Catherine.
4. What is the significance of the Golden Bell?
The Golden Bell is one of the largest bells in India and is known for its rich tone.
5. What happened to one of the towers of Se Cathedral?
One of the towers collapsed in 1776 due to lightning and was never rebuilt, giving the cathedral an asymmetric appearance.
6. What nearby attractions can be visited along with Se Cathedral?
Visitors can also explore nearby sites such as Bom Jesus Basilica and other historic churches in Old Goa.