One of the most famous religious buildings of Old Goa is considered to be the Cathedral of St. Catherine, or as it is called Se Cathedral. He is one of the largest churches not only India but the whole of Asia, and is named after Catherine of Alexandria.

The cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese army, commanded by Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army, which allowed him to capture the city of Goa in 1510. This event just coincided with the celebration in honor of St. Catherine, so the cathedral was named after her. Construction of the building began in 1552 by order of Governor George Cabral, while material for the temple began ... clay, mud and twigs. Therefore, in 1562 during the reign of the House of Sebastiano, a new project of the church. And finally the building was completed in 1619 and the cathedral was consecrated in 1640.

The cathedral was built in the Manueline style - an original Portuguese version of the Renaissance style, the interior design is done in the Corinthian style.

According to the idea cathedral had two towers, bell tower, but in 1776 one of them fell and, unfortunately, has not been restored. But, despite this, the cathedral has not lost its charm and grandeur. Now the rest of the bell tower set called "golden" because of its beautiful sound. It is recognized as the largest in the state and one of the best in the world. Overall score in the cathedral of five large bells.

Also in the cathedral of 15 altars, located in eight different chapels. The main altar is Catherine, on both sides of which is a beautiful ancient paintings depicting the saint. Next to it is the chapel of the Divine Cross, which is said to the people in 1919, was Jesus himself. Here you can admire the wonderful wooden panels on which are carved scenes from the life of St. Catherine.

The Cathedral is a truly unique, its magnificent architecture, the grandeur and beauty will not leave anyone indifferent. And he rightly been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.