In 1562 during the reign of King Dom Sebastiao, the Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina was built under the guidance of the Archbishops of Goa. Most of the structure was ready by 1619 and the main altar was constructed in 1652. The cathedral was declared sacred in the year 1640. The Cathedral was constructed to mark the victory of the Portuguese army over a Muslim army. This phenomenon led to the capture of Goa in 1510. The contribution of Saint Catherine of Alexandria as a philosophical defender of the faith is incomparable. She was a patroness of the Old Goa also known as Velha Goa. Saint Catherine was born in Alexandria and was well educated. She converted her religion and became Christian after having a vision.

She raised her voice against the wrong and her arguments were logical, self-explanatory, and valid. The Roman Emperor Maxentius had set up a committee of 50 philosophers to refute her ideas but they failed at it and accepted Christianity as their faith. The step taken by committee members made the ruler furious and he ordered them to be burnt alive following which St. Catherine was imprisoned too. While she was serving her sentence she convinced the wife of the ruler to change her religion and accept Christianity. Valeria Maximilla happily accepted Christianity as her new religion and St. Catherine made approximately 200 people walk on the path of Christianity. 

The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina is built in a simple yet has an elegant style. In the 16th century, the Portuguese-Manueline style of architecture was very famous and this style of architecture is used in the construction of the church. The facade of the church is built on a laterite plinth and the exterior of the church appears to be rectangular. 

The cathedral has a crucifix form from the inside. The nave of the Cathedral is surrounded by four chapels. The Corinthian columns placed on the plinths have Latin inscriptions carved on them. The main altar of Saint Catherine is beautifully ornamented using reredos. The architecture of this place is worth observing and understanding. There are so many minute details that will grab your attention.

• The church does not offer any kind of activities but you can come here to enjoy the view and offer silent prayers in hope that they reach God’s ears. 
• You can click pictures of yourself and the architecture. 
• Spend some time in the gardens and enjoy the calm vibe of the place. 

• When you plan to visit the church respect and obey the instructions given by the authorities. 
• Do not click pictures in the prohibited areas. 
• Do not harm the property in any case and avoid littering around. 
• Visit according to the Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, Goa timings which are 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM. If you reach early you will find the place less crowded.
• Wear appropriate clothes and women should wear knee-length dresses. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops and miniskirts, if by any chance you still end up wearing such clothes then you can purchase a shawl to cover yourself up. 
• When you plan to visit the church keep in mind the surrounding attractions that you can visit too. Do not pluck flowers from the garden and do not pluck leaves from trees around the premises. 

Visit Goa in winter that is from November to March. The summers here are very harsh and humid making it a bit difficult to explore and move around freely. During the rainy season, it is suggested to not try water sports so if you want to make the best out of your Goa trip then plan a visit during the winter season.

• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• Church of St. Francis of Assisi
• Church of St. Cajetan
• St. Augustine Tower
• Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria
• Museum Of Christian Art
• Viceroys Arch, Goa

• The biggest Golden bell in Goa can be found here and the ringing of the bell can be heard throughout the state.
• The Se Cathedral is one of the biggest churches in Goa.
• The church has a Portuguese- Manueline architectural style.
• The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, Goa has 14 altars. 
• The Se Cathedral marks the victory of the Portuguese army under the leadership of the brave Afonso de Albuquerque.