Decorated part of the pulpit of the Se Cathedral in old Goa
The Se Cathedral in old Goa is a magnificent structure in old Goa, built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese leader Afonso de Albuquerque over an Islamic army, which led to the possession of Goa by the Portuguese. This happened in the year 1510, and to celebrate this victory, a construction of a grand cathedral was started on an earlier site in the year 1552 (the existing structure was sought to be enlarged); and why was this dedicated to Saint Catherine ? Well, Saint Catherine was a martyr in the early Christian history, and the day on which this battle was won was the day of the feast of Saint Catherine, the church was dedicated to her.
The Church is a magnificent heritage monument, attracting a number of visitors and in a pretty good condition. The building is surrounded by a lot of greenery, and the complex is fairly large.
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