Se Cathedral

Posted on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 by Neha Sharma

Tour Around The Alluring Se Cathedral Church

Being the centre of Christianity, it comes as no surprise that Goa is home to the most beautiful and historical churches in India. Likewise, the Se Cathedral church Goa is one beauty that is worth a visit.

Founded in 1619 and consecrated in 1640, this Roman Catholic church is devoted to St. Catherine since her feast day that was on 25th November 1510.

Declared as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it almost took around 80 years to build this prestigious landmark. Today, the Se Cathedral Goa is one of the oldest and largest churches in Asia with such blissful and breathtaking surroundings. The flaunting interiors and beautiful exteriors are definitely going to make you spellbound.

The History Of Se Cathedral Church

Situated in Old Goa, this religious landmark was built to keep alive the victory of the Portuguese conquering Goa over the Muslim army in 1510. The construction of the Se Cathedral church began in 1562 in the reign of Sebastian of Portugal, King Dom Sebastiao. According to the Se Cathedral history, it was dedicated to the Catherine of Alexandria by the Portuguese Viceroy D. Garcia de Noronha, making it one of the first churches to be built after Old Goa was conquered by Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur. The structure as it exists now owes much to its reconstruction works which were undertaken several times during the 17th century, 18th century and the early 1910s.

Lying on the banks of the Mandovi river, this classic sacred place represents royalty and majestic aura and is now one of the popular places in Goa to explore Portuguese history. It has been believed that the vision of Holy Christ was seen on the cross of the church, which is further believed to be increasing by each year. This has awestruck the believers around the world and Goa travellers, making it one of the top-visited landmarks in Goa.

The Architecture of Se Cathedral Church

The Se Cathedral Church in Old Goa of Blessed Sacrament is a triple-nave basilica with a transept, an ambulatory and five chapels in the side aisles. There are seven altars in the church, four at the main altar, one each in front of “Our Lady of Rosary Chapel”, “Our Lady of Piety Chapel”, and the “Baptismal Chapel”. In addition to these, there is also an ornately carved high altar retable located above the sanctuary which was originally dedicated to St. Catherine but later on rededicated to “Our Lady of Grace“. Other statues placed around the altars (in various niches) include those of St. Lawrence, Our Lady of Rosary, St. Anthony and the Holy Trinity in addition to that of Christ the King in the Baptismal Chapel.

The two towers flanking the cathedral facade emphasize its symmetry with twin belfries, each equipped with four cast-iron bells brought from Germany in 1763. The north tower houses nine church bells which are rung during major festivals in the liturgical calendar. The Cathedral on the other side is laid in geometric patterns of red laterite stone. The facade has three entrances with pointed archways & ornamented with twelve statues each flanking the central doorway. Their inclusion is meant to highlight the Christian outlook of its patrons who are otherwise known for their Hindu roots.

Essential Information

How To Reach Se Cathedral Church

From Bus Stand

Goa has various bus connections that can drop you at important landmarks of Old Goa and other areas. This is also the cheapest and the most recommended option to travel around Goa. Take a bus from Panaji to Old Goa, and enjoy a beautiful ride at a friendly price.

From Railway Station

The nearest train stations to the Se Cathedral Church are Karmali and Thivim railway stations. It takes around 10 minutes and 32 minutes to reach the church from Karmali and Thivim station respectively. You can even opt for a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station.

From Panaji

The average distance between Panaji and Se Cathedral Church is 9 km which usually takes around 15 minutes to travel via car or bike. You can even opt for buses which is the cheapest mode of transport to travel from Panaji to Se Cathedral church. However, the fastest is via car, costing you somewhere between INR 330 to INR 400.

From Goa International Airport

The Se Cathedral Church is 25.9 km away from the Goa International Airport which takes around 34 minutes to reach via car or taxi. The recommended way to travel from Dabolim airport to the church is via taxi which can cost you around INR 470 to INR 650. One can even opt for an auto-rickshaw or town car from the airport.

Best Time To Visit The Se Cathedral Church

Goa state has beautiful weather all year round especially from November to March with average temperature clocking between 24 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. These months are just ideal to stroll around Se Cathedral Church in India and explore its beauty. The glory of this church is better enhanced after a rainy day, enhancing the beauty and architecture of this blissful place. Plus, the church remains open every day even during public holidays. So, you can plan your trip to the Se Cathedral church any time of the year from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Places to Visit Near Se Cathedral Church

1. Basilica Of Bom Jesus: Just 230 metres away from the Se Cathedral church in Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is another important landmark of Old Goa. The most iconic church of the state, beautifully designed and constructed, keeping Portuguese architecture in mind. Also the oldest church of Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus still houses the coffin of St. Francis Xavier, one of the most loved and glorified saints of Goa. Today, Basilica is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and comes under the list of top-visited places in Goa by travellers. 
2. Wax World Museum: The Wax World Museum is at a 10-minute walking distance from the Se Cathedral Church Old Goa. It is a small yet interesting place to stroll around and enjoy statues of incredible people around the world. The ticket price of Wax World Museum is not more than INR 100 per person which is super affordable to catch sights of such artistic work. The place also has a horror house and a 12D animation show, making this landmark even more fun. The kids are especially going to love this place. 
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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 Church in Goa

Here are the popular churches in Goa that you can explore after your visit to Basilica Of Bom Jesus church. While some churches are known for their ancient mummies, others for their beauty. Whatever church you choose, be sure to make the most of your tourism.

Other Churches in Goa

Book Goa Tour Packages

Tempted to book Goa Tour Package already? We thought so! Whether you’re looking for a Goa tour package for family or a Goa cruise package, we have them all. All you need to do is give us a call so we can share the best quotes with you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Goa beaches are within walking distance from the Se Cathedral church?

A: Kegdole Beach and Odxel beach are near Se Cathedral Church Goa with a distance of around 18 km and 19.5 km respectively. This distance is better and fastest covered by a bike, auto-rickshaw or a taxi.

Q: What is the entry fee for Se Cathedral church?

A: Se Cathedral church is a holy place and entry is free for all. The Se Cathedral church timings start from morning 9 am till evening 7 pm.

Q: Where can I shop daily essentials nears the Se Cathedral church?

A: The one can stop by Margao market, Calangute beach market, and Damodar beach market for quick shopping like fruits, vegetables, and groceries.

Q: Name the list of places to eat near the Se Cathedral Church in Goa?

A: There are not many eateries near the church but you can have a few snacks with a cup of coffee at the Coffee & Tea Shop, Treebo Trip La Grande Hotel, Ethans Shawarma, and Ratnasagar Family Restaurant & Bar.

Q: Does Se Cathedral church has a parking area?

A: Yes, there is a free parking lot near the Se Cathedral church in Old Goa. However, you might have to walk a bit from the parking lot to the church.