Sé Cathedral, Goa: Portuguese-Gothic Architecture and Historical Landmark
- PlantHouse Enterprise
- May 15
- 2 min read
Original video: https://youtu.be/kJMGfpUJyQ0
Visited on: 15 April 2025
Sé Cathedral, officially the Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, is a magnificent and historically significant cathedral located in Old Goa, India. It stands as a prominent symbol of Goa's rich colonial past and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Architectural Details:
Style: The cathedral is primarily built in the Portuguese-Manueline style, a late Gothic architectural style that was prevalent during the 16th century. This style is characterized by its ornate details and maritime motifs.
Influences: The architecture also incorporates elements of Tuscan (in its exterior) and Corinthian (in its interior) styles, creating a unique and impressive blend.
Facade: The facade is known for its relatively plain appearance, reflecting the Tuscan tradition, which contrasts with the more elaborate interiors.
Dimensions: The cathedral is a large structure, measuring approximately 250 feet in length and 181 feet in breadth, with a towering frontispiece reaching 115 feet high.
Towers: Originally, the cathedral had two towers, but one collapsed in 1776 and was never rebuilt, giving the building an asymmetrical appearance.
Interior: The interior is laid out in a cruciform shape and features:
Soaring vaulted ceilings
Elegant arches
Intricate woodwork
Gilded altars
Stunning mosaics
The "Golden Bell," one of the largest bells in Goa.
Chapels dedicated to various saints.
Historical Significance:
Commemoration: The cathedral was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over a Muslim army, which led to the capture of Goa in 1510.
Dedication: It is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Its historical and architectural importance has earned it a place among the Churches and Convents of Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Center of Religion: It serves as the cathedral of the Latin Church Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
Keywords: Sé Cathedral, Goa, Old Goa, Portuguese architecture, Gothic architecture, Church, Goa history, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Loaction:
Old Goa, Goa 403402, India
GW37+H3J, Old Goa
15.50404233637141, 73.9126544669387
Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 - Creative Commons
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