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S Cathedral
One
of the most ancient and celebrated religious buildings of Goa, this
magnificent 16th century monument, constructed by the Roman Catholics
under the Portuguese rule, is the largest church in Asia. The Cathedral
is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria on whose feast day in
1510 Alfonso Albuquerque defeated the Muslim army and took possession
of the city of Goa. Hence it is also known as St. Catherine's' Cathedral
and is bigger than any of the churches in Portugal itself.
The Cathedral was commissioned by the Portuguese Viceroy, Redondo
to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame
of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the
Pacific". The construction of this imposing edifice began in
1562 during the reign of King Dom Sebastião (1557-78) and substantially
completed by 1619.It was consecrated in 1640.
The church is 250 ft in length and 181 ft in breath. The frontispiece
stands 115 ft high. The building is Portuguese-Gothic in style with
a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. The exterior of the cathedral
is notable for its plainness of style whereas, its vaulted interior
overwhelms the visitors by sheer grandeur.
Cathedral’s tower houses a famous bell, the largest in Goa
and one of the best in the world, often referred to as 'Golden Bell'
on account of its rich tone. The main altar is dedicated to St.
Catherine of Alexandria, and old paintings on either side of it
depict scenes from her life and martyrdom.
On the right of the nave, is the screened Chapel of the Cross of
Miracles. A vision of Christ is said to have appeared in 1919 on
this huge, plain, cross. Towering above the main altar is the huge
gilded reredos. Scenes from the life of St Catherine, to whom the
cathedral is dedicated, are carved on its six main panels. A chamber
on the left contains the baptismal font made in 1532. St Francis
Xavier is said to have baptized thousands of Goan converts using
this font.
Visited by millions from all over the world, the church is regarded
as a pilgrimage by people of all religions. It is the most indispensable
tourist attraction in Goa and a trip to Goa is considered to be
incomplete without paying a visit to Se Cathedral.
