Se Cathedral

Tour Around The Alluring Se Cathedral Church

Goa, the heart of Christianity in India, has some of the country’s most pretty & historic churches. Among them, the Se Cathedral is a true gem that you simply can’t miss. This Roman Catholic church, dedicated to St. Catherine, was founded in 1619 and consecrated in 1640, marking her feast day of 25th November 1510. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this great landmark took nearly 80 years to complete. Today, the Se Cathedral stands as one of the oldest & largest churches in Asia, surrounded by serene beauty. The grandeur of its interior & striking exterior will leave you in awe.

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The History Of Se Cathedral Church

Located in Old Goa, the Se Cathedral stands as a testament to the Portuguese victory over the Muslim army in 1510. Construction of this significant religious landmark began in 1562 during the reign of King Dom Sebastiao of Portugal. As per the history of the Se Cathedral, it was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria by Portuguese Viceroy D. Garcia de Noronha, marking it as one of the first churches established after the Portuguese conquered Old Goa from Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur. The current structure is the result of several reconstruction efforts carried out in the 17th, & 18th centuries & the early 1900s.

Situated along the Mandovi River, this iconic sacred site exudes an air of grandeur & royalty, making it a must-visit spot for those interested in exploring Goa’s rich Portuguese heritage. It is said that a vision of the Holy Christ was witnessed on the church’s cross, with the crucifix mysteriously growing larger each year. This miraculous occurrence has captured the attention of believers & tourists alike, making it one of the most visited landmarks in Goa.

The Architecture of Se Cathedral Church

The Se Cathedral Church in Old Goa, also known as the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, is a beautiful triple-nave basilica featuring a transept, an ambulatory, & five chapels along the side aisles. Inside, the church has seven altars—four at the main altar, & one each at the “Our Lady of Rosary Chapel,” “Our Lady of Piety Chapel,” & the “Baptismal Chapel.” Adding to its grandeur is the intricately carved high altar retable above the sanctuary, originally dedicated to St. Catherine, but later rededicated to “Our Lady of Grace.” Statues of St. Lawrence, Our Lady of Rosary, St. Anthony, the Holy Trinity, & Christ the King in the Baptismal Chapel grace the church, placed in various niches around the altars.

The twin towers flanking the cathedral’s façade emphasize its symmetrical design, each featuring belfries with four cast-iron bells, imported from Germany in 1763. The north tower houses nine bells that ring during significant religious festivals. On the opposite side, the cathedral is built with geometric patterns of red laterite stone. Its façade is adorned with three pointed-arched entrances, each flanked by twelve statues. These statues are symbolic, reflecting the Christian devotion of the church’s patrons, while acknowledging their Hindu heritage.

Essential Information

How To Reach Se Cathedral Church

From Bus Stand

Goa offers several convenient bus routes that can take you to key landmarks in Old Goa & other parts of the region. Buses are not only the most affordable option but also the highly recommended way to explore Goa. Hop on a bus from Panaji to Old Goa & enjoy a scenic ride at a budget-friendly fare.

From Railway Station

The closest railway stations to the Se Cathedral Church are Karmali & Thivim. From Karmali, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the church, while from Thivim, the journey is around 32 minutes. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from either station for a convenient ride to the church.

From Panaji

The Se Cathedral Church is approximately 9 km from Panaji, and the journey by car or bike typically takes around 15 minutes. For a budget-friendly option, you can take a bus, which is the cheapest way to travel from Panaji to the church. However, the quickest way is by car, with fares ranging between INR 330 and INR 400.

From Goa International Airport

The Se Cathedral Church is located about 25.9 km from Goa International Airport, with a travel time of approximately 34 minutes by car or taxi. The most convenient option for reaching the church from Dabolim Airport is by taxi, which costs around INR 470 to INR 650. Alternatively, you can choose an auto-rickshaw or a town car for the journey.

Best Time To Visit The Se Cathedral Church

Goa enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, with November to March being particularly ideal, as temperatures range between 24°C and 32°C. These months are perfect for visiting the Se Cathedral Church & admiring its grandeur. The beauty of the church is especially striking after a rainy day, which further enhances its architecture & charm. Open daily, including public holidays, the Se Cathedral welcomes visitors year-round, operating from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, making it easy to plan your visit at any time.

Places to Visit Near Se Cathedral Church

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus: Located just 230 meters from the Se Cathedral, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is another key landmark in Old Goa. Known for its amazing design, it showcases classic Portuguese architecture. The oldest church in Goa, it still holds the coffin of St. Francis Xavier, one of Goa’s most beloved saints. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the top places to visit in Goa.
2. Wax World Museum: A short 10-minute walk from Se Cathedral, the Wax World Museum is a small but fun place to explore. Here, you can see wax statues of famous people from around the world. The entry fee is only about INR 100, making it an affordable stop. The museum also features a horror house & a 12D animation show, which are sure to delight kids.
3. Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount: About 1.4 km from Se Cathedral via Rua Direita, this charming chapel sits on a green hill. Its rustic exterior & peaceful surroundings make it a lovely place to visit. The chapel offers stunning views, and if you’re into photography or Instagram, it’s a perfect spot for some great pictures. Many visitors come just to capture its beauty.
4. Church of St. Cajetan: Just 450 meters from the Se Cathedral, the Church of St. Cajetan is surrounded by greenery in Old Goa. Its unique design, influenced by Portuguese & Latin styles, makes it a must-see. The church is free to enter and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for its impressive architecture & serene atmosphere.
5. São Pedro Church: Located 1.8 km from Se Cathedral, São Pedro Church (St. Peter’s Church) is a peaceful Catholic church dedicated to Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles. Built over 475 years ago by the Portuguese, it is one of the oldest churches in Goa. The calm & serene environment here offers a perfect escape, where you can find peace & reflect. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Goa’s historical streets.

• Chapel Of Our Lady Of The Mount: The total distance between the Chapel of our Lady of the Mount and Se Cathedral church is 1.4 km via Rua Direita. A blissful place located on the lush green hillock, the Chapel Of Our Lady Of The Mount is definitely a treat to the eyes. The church offers some amazing and peaceful views with all the rustic exterior looks. If you are a hardcore Instagrammer and has a love for pictures, this landmark is in no way a disappointment. Many travellers visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount just to click pictures with a beautiful backdrop of the building. 

• Church Of St. Cajetan: With a distance of 450 metres from the Se Cathedral, the church of St. Cajetan is located in Old Goa surrounded by well-maintained greenery. This beautiful church has a fascinating history and is built under the influence of Portuguese and Latins. Today, this unique gem is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of its astonishing architecture and peaceful environment. The church is open for all travellers and does not have any entry fee. Visiting the Church of St. Cajetan is definitely going to make your trip to Goa worthwhile. 

• São Pedro Church: A beautiful Catholic church devoted to the Prince of the Apostles Saint Peter, São Pedro Church is just 1.8km from the Se Cathedral Church. More than 475 years old, this church is one of the oldest churches in Goa, built by the Portuguese. The calmness of this place will transport you to another blissful world where you find your inner self and soul. Also, known as St. Peter church, this great place is a must to visit whenever you are strolling around the streets of Goa.

Other Popular Churches in Goa

Here are the best churches in Goa that you can explore after your visit to Se Cathedral Church. While some churches are known for their history, others for their Jesus statues. Whatever church you choose, be sure to make the most of your tourism.

Other Churches in Goa

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