Se Cathedral is in popular tourist circuit of St. Augustine Tower, Old Goa Church etc., Its hard to miss these massive white buildings.
This church is a testament to the Portuguese influence in Goa and has become one of the most famous landmarks in the state.
Firstly, the cathedral boasts of the largest bell in Goa, which is a claim to fame we’re sure every Goan would love to make. They say the sound of the bell can be heard all across the state, so if you’re feeling a bit mischievous, you could give it a good ring and see if that’s true!
But it’s not just the bell that’s impressive. The cathedral’s design is a sight to cheer, with intricate carvings on each of the 14 altars that are sure to leave you spellbound. The facade of the cathedral is a whopping 250 feet long and 181 feet wide, making it one of the largest churches in Asia.
What’s really interesting is that the interior of the cathedral is shaped like a crucifix, even though it appears rectangular on the outside. This could be the architect’s way of adding a fun element to the cathedral or maybe it was just a happy accident!
As you enter the cathedral, you’ll be welcomed by beautiful Corinthian columns with Latin inscriptions that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The main altar dedicated to Saint Catherine is gilded with gold, and the cathedral houses fifteen communion tables and a baptismal font that was used by St. Francis Xavier himself.
The cathedral’s construction was initiated after the Portuguese army’s victory over a Muslim army, which led to the capture of Goa. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Catherine, who is known for her incredible contribution as a philosophical defender of the faith. Legend has it that she converted to Christianity after experiencing a vision of Our Lady, the Madonna and baby.
As she continued to spread the word of Christianity even under extreme torture and hostile circumstances, her refusal to yield was met with a death sentence by means of being fastened to a spiked breaking wheel. However, the wheel broke down leaving the saint unharmed, leading to her being known as the ‘patroness of the wheel-wrights.’