Goa is not only famous for its spectacular beaches, green environs but for its historic churches as well. Se Cathedral is one of the historic Churches of Goa. This church which was founded in the year 1619 is also known as Se Cathedral of Santa Catharina. It is dedicated to the Catherine of Alexandria. The specialty of this cathedral is that it is one of the oldest as well as one of the largest churches in entire Asia. In Goa Se cathedral is considered as the most important religious place. This church is located in old Goa. If we see from the architecture point of view then the Portuguese effect on the architecture of the structure is clearly reflected. You do find some Gothic elements in the design of structure and that is why experts say it is having Portuguese – Gothic style of architecture.The church is really large even though there were two towers initially but one tower collapsed in the year 1776 and since then it was like that only. It was never rebuilt to give it the original look. The length of the cathedral is 250 feet (76m); the width is 181 feet (55m) while the front of the cathedral is 115 feet that is 35 meter high. The interiors are designed in Tuscan style while the exteriors show Corinthian way of designing. The administration of the cathedral comes under Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.The cathedral construction actually started in the year 1562 when Dom Sebastiao was the King. The construction took almost 57 years as in the year 1619 the cathedral was ready but in the year 1640 it was sanctified. This church was a result of a victory of Portuguese over Muslim Army. After winning the Muslims Portuguese captured the Goa city and to observe the victory this church was built. The current building of the cathedral was built at the same place where a mosque was standing. The Muslim religious place was demolished to construct the church. It is dedicated to the Saint Catherine because the day of victory was the day of feast of Saint Catherine. Portuguese thought Saint Catherine’s blessings were with them and thus they could win the Muslim army. In a way, the church tells a big history of its victorious inception since four centuries.There is a huge bell which is known as Golden Bell located at the South tower of the church. It definitely attracts your attention immediately as the sound it makes is melodious and the looks are stunning. The golden bell is said to be the best bell in the world while largest in entire Goa. Among the two towers the South tower that holds the Golden bell is still standing while the North tower collapsed due to heavy lightening in the year 1776. Inside the church you do find many old paintings, a chapel of Cross of Miracles, beautiful carvings on six panels showing the events from the life of Saint Catherine, etc. It is said that in the year 1919 Christ did appeared at the Cross of Miracles. No doubt, why this place is considered as the most religious place in Goa? It definitely makes your visit worth to Goa.Timings to visit the churchFrom 7.30 am to 6pm everydayDistance from PanajiThe Se Cathedral is just 9 kilometers away from the capital Panaji.TransportationThere is state transport (bus) available from Panaji to reach the church. Apart from buses auto rickshaws or hire taxies can also be used to reach from Panaji or any nearby place.Ruchi Mahajanзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн