The Se Cathedral

Se Cathedral also enjoys the distinction of housing the Goa Archdiocese. The ancient "Golden Bell," the biggest bell with the richest voice, is housed in Se Cathedral and is renowned across the world for its size and sound. When you visit the church right now, you will be amazed to see the incredible building methods and ideas that were employed. The inside of the church features beautiful woodwork that is detailed and adds to its splendour. This location combines serenity and beauty; going there will not only make you feel refreshed but also make you feel positive. Se Cathedral also enjoys the distinction of housing the Goa Archdiocese. The ancient "Golden Bell," the biggest bell with the richest voice, is housed in Se Cathedral and is renowned across the world for its size and sound. When you visit the church right now, you will be amazed to see the incredible building methods and ideas that were employed. The inside of the church features beautiful woodwork that is detailed and adds to its splendour. This location combines serenity and beauty; going there will not only make you feel refreshed but also make you feel positive.

It is believed that the cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint. Catherine of Alexandria, was constructed to commemorate the triumph of Portuguese king Alfonso Albuquerque, who defeated the Muslim army and seized control of the city of Goa. As a result, it is often referred to as St. Catherine's Cathedral. Blessed Pope Pius XII gave "The Golden Rose" to the Cathedral in 1953. It is a gold ornament that has historically been preferred by and gifted by Catholic Church Popes as a mark of adoration or fondness. You can watch it being put on St. Francis Xavier's grave. On the ruins of an older building, it was permitted to be spread in 1552 by Governor George Cabral. The church was first organised in 1562. The church was finished in 1619 and dedicated two years later, in 1640. It is the ideal location to encounter a harmonious fusion of calm and tranquilly. When you visit this revered location, you will feel positive.

Se Cathedral has magnificent and lovely architecture. The Se Cathedral's architecture may be categorised as Portuguese-Manueline since it combines Gothic features with traditional Portuguese design. Two alternative methods were chosen to construct the church. The interior was constructed in the Corinthian style, while the outside is in the Tuscan design. This church is 250 feet long and 181 feet broad, with a wonderfully adorned entryway rising to a height of around 115 feet. While the chapel is beautifully ornamented, the design is basic and fascinating. The Cathedral was constructed on a raised laterite base that is coated in a thick layer of lime plaster. On the southern side of the façade, you can also see the bell tower. Although having a cruciform interior, the church's construction is rectangular on the outside. On either side of the main altar, which is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, are a number of antique paintings. Also, you may visit the Chapel, popularly known as the Cross of Miracles, where it is said that a figure of Christ is reported to have appeared in 1619.

According to legend, Catherine was a woman who, in the early fourth century, was martyred by the heathen Emperor Maxentius and was regarded as a Christian Saint. She is thought to have been a princess and a distinguished scholar who converted hundreds of people to Christianity at the age of 14 and was murdered at the age of 18.

Catherine was well-known for being a spiritual trailblazer and speaking out against the persecution of Christians under Maxentius, the Roman emperor. The king appointed a committee of 50 philosophers to discuss her theories since she was so persuasive and rational in her arguments that he was unable to refute them.

Yet even the group admitted defeat in front of her and stated that they were Christians. The king imprisoned St. Catherine and burned the philosophers alive out of rage. Catherine persisted, and she was successful in convincing both the queen and the jailers. She is thought to have introduced 200 individuals to Christianity. She persisted in stretching the word of Jesus even though she was in the worst situation of her life.

She was given the title "patroness of the wheel-wrights" in honour of the fact that, according to legend, when she was tied to a spiked wheel as was indicated in her death sentence, the wheel shattered but she was unharmed. And it is reported that once she was eventually beheaded, angle took her bones and buried them atop Mount Sinai. When you go to the Se Cathedral, you can see the Saint Catherine decorations, which include a crown that depicts her regal birth, a book in her hands that represents her deep knowledge, and a spiked wheel that indicates her sacrifice

There is no particular time of year to visit this serene location, however it would be advisable to pick a month between November and March since it is said to be the ideal time to visit Goa. Beautiful weather will be with you during this time, adding to your delight and allowing you to explore the area without any issues. The ideal time to visit Se Cathedral during the day is just around opening hours to avoid the crowds and long lines. Avoid visiting in the afternoon if you want to completely explore the area without having to endure the sweltering heat.

On Sunday, you are invited to come at any time between 7:15 am and 10 pm. On other days, you are welcome to attend at any time between 7:30 am and 6 pm.

• By Air: In addition to chartered flights from outside, the nearest airport, Dabolim (30 km from Panaji), has regular flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kochi.
• By Rail: Several trains from throughout the nation arrive in Goa at the two railway stations in Vasco da Gama and Margao.
• By Bus: Panaji and other locations in Goa have regular bus service to Old Goa. Nearby Places to visit

• The Fern Kadamba Hotel and Spa : The Fern Kadamba Hotel And Spa, located in Benaulim in the Goa Area and 26 kilometres from Benaulim Beach, features a spa and a fitness centre. Visitors may dine in the hotel's restaurant and enjoy the outdoor pool and garden views. On-site private parking is cost-free.
• The postcard Velha : The Postcard Velha, Goa is hidden away on the hills of Nossa Senhora de Monte in Velha, Goa. The Postcard Velha, a 2010 construction located on the expansive Champakali estate with views of the gorgeous Mandovi river delta and 300 acres of virgin coconut plantations, features an outdoor pool and complimentary Internet. There is a balcony and a private bathroom in every room. There is air conditioning and a wardrobe in every hotel room.
• The little Egret : The Little Egret at Carambolim, which is 2.2 kilometres from Basilica of Bom Jesus and 2.6 km from Church of Saint Cajetan, has free Internet, air conditioning, a garden, and accommodations with a pool outside. It has a common kitchen and is located 30 miles from Chapora Fort. The villa has a dining area, a fully functional kitchen, a terrace with lake views, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, bed linens, and towels.

• Viceroy's Arch : It is a brick and stone entryway that was built over a route that connected the river to the town in the 16th century. The Vasco da Gama's grandson, Francisco da Gama, who subsequently served as governor in 1597, constructed the passageway known as the Viceroy's Arch. It was rebuilt in 1954 after collapsing and faces the river. Vasco da Gama's coat of arms' deer emblem is used as decoration.
• Basilica of Bom Jesus : The church in Goa that is arguably the most well-known and revered by Christians everywhere is partially in ruins but remains a superb example of Jesuit construction and purity. The term "Bom Jesus" (which translates to "good Jesus") is used to refer to the church. The basilica is located in Old Goa, the historic Portuguese Indian capital, and it houses St. Francis Xavier's mortal remains.
• Old Goa : Visit and discover Old Goa if you wish to learn about the essence of Goa's culture and heritage. Given all you will encounter, you will be shocked. Old Goa, sometimes referred to as Velha Goa, served as the Portuguese empire's first capital in India. There are several historic sites in Old Goa that are nevertheless of considerable historical and contemporary value. The Basilica of Bom, the relics of St. Francis Xavier, Se Cathedral, and other buildings from the Colonial era are among its well-known landmarks.
• The Archaeological Museum, Goa : Unquestionably, anyone wishing to obtain a deeper understanding of Goa's archaeological and cultural past should visit this interesting museum in Old Goa. In eight galleries, you may see ancient antiques, sculptures, and other items from the time the Portuguese reigned. These exhibits also explore Goa's prehistoric past.