Se Cathedral
Location
Se Cathedral is located in Old Goa, 9 Km from Panaji.
About Se Cathedral
Situated in Old Goa, Se Cathedral is a monument that truly
represents the royalty of Goa in the early days, during the rule of
Portuguese. The grandiose structure stands as a momento of the
wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese. The church is the largest
church in Asia and the prestigious seat of archdiocese of Goa. Even
in Portugal, no church can beat this cathedral in terms of size. One
of the most sacred buildings for the Christians, Se cathedral has
been declared a heritage site by UNESCO.
Architecture of the Building
The west- facing cathedral has a Tuscan exterior with square towers
flanking the 30.3 metre-high facade. One surviving tower houses the
largest bell in Asia. This 17th century bell has a rather hoary
past. It tolled during the infamous inquisition to announce the
start of the gruesome auto da fe or Acts of Faith, when suspected
heretics were dragged out of the Palace of Inquisition's dungeons
across the square. The intricately-detailed Corinthian interior has
huge pillars dividing the 76.2 metre-long central space from the
side aisles. The Cathedral has as many as 15 altars and a grand
altar dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria. The gilded, ornate
main altar hs nine carved frames and a mgnificent crucifix. The life
of St Catherine of Alexandria is depicted on the panels.
Getting there
Air
Dambolin Airport in Goa is the only airport in Goa. It is situated
in Vasco-da-Gama, 30 Km from Old Goa. Buses, taxis and
auto-rickshaws are available from Vasco as well as Panaji to Old
Goa.
Rail
Vasco-da-Gama rail station is connected by train with the major
cities of India. One can easily get taxis and buses for Old Goa.
Road
Panaji, the capital of Goa, is connected by road to Bangalore-598
Km, Mumbai-594 Km, Hubli-184 Km, Mangalore-371 Km, Mysore-696 Km,
Kolhapur-246 Km and Pune-458 Km.
Accommodation
Goa has a vast option for stay. There are many luxury, star rated
and budget hotels available all ovber Goa. Old Goa is also no
exception. One can also opt for stay in Panaji, 10 Km from Old Goa.
Government of India and Goa also have hotels and guest houses in
Goa.
