Capela de Santa Catarina de Alexandria — Attraction in Goa Island

The church was built between 1725 and 1730 in order to replace a more ancient building, which dated back to the middle of 16th century which was damaged by the earthquake of 1693; it had been the seat of the brotherhood[clarification needed] since its birth in 1574. The new building was realised thanks to an amount of money given away by a priest, Giacinto Giglio, governor pro tempore of the brotherhood. The new seat was consecrated on 6 October 1730. Around the middle of the eighteenth century the facade and the bell tower were built. Between 1774 and 1792 the marble altars were constructed, while the marble inlaid floor was constructed about 1803−04. The building was damaged by English air raids during the summer of 1943. Repairs were made in the years after the war. The church was damaged again by the earthquakes of 1990 and 2002. Thanks to the restoration work, funded by the Sicilian department of Civil Protection, it was reopened for worship. The church receives the adoration of Saints Alphius, Philadelphus and Cyrinus. The building is of an octagonal structure, however the different length of the final parts of the passage which link the vestibule and the presbytery gives a pronounced longitudinal course. The hall is covered by a lunette cloister vault, which extends upwards. The church features a marble inlaid floor. The interior decoration consists of Tuscan pilasters that support the trabeation, on which stands the tambour. The pilasters turn into the ribs of the vault. This one is divided into eight slices whose center represents the Agnus Dei. On one side of the octagon there are a wooden confessional and a side exit. The four sides of the octagon receive altars. The main one was built with precious stone materials and stands over a raised platform. In the centre of the vestibule there is a double stone which allows people to enter inside the crypt, where centuries ago, the brothers were buried. The facade is set on a basalt base which is divided into three parts by four Tuscan pilasters. These support remarkable eves. In the central part of the facade there is a simple entry portal; above it you can see a window crowned by a triangulate tympanum. In the left part there are narrow loopholes and a circular window which illuminates the bell tower stairway. On the top of the tower is a small temple decorated by four one-light windows, one on each side. It is covered by a small dome equipped with pinnacles and it shows an octagonal plant, similar...

Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria 🕍⛱️ Exploring the Chapel of St. Catherine in Goa

The Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Old Goa is a fascinating piece of history wrapped in the serene ambiance of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1510 by the Portuguese conqueror Afonso de Albuquerque to commemorate his victorious entry into Goa on St. Catherine’s Day, this chapel stands as one of the oldest Christian structures in Asia.

Despite its unassuming exterior, this chapel holds immense historical significance. Originally constructed in the Renaissance style, the chapel features a pale yellow facade made from laterite stones, plastered with lime mortar, and towers on either side. Its interior is simple yet elegant, with a singular altar dedicated to St. Catherine and adorned with a statue of Our Lady.

Interestingly, the chapel's brown and white facade is a departure from the usual whitewashed churches of Goa, making it uniquely identifiable. The interior also showcases Portuguese-styled rectangular window panes dressed in mica shells, and various artworks depicting the story of St. Catherine of Alexandria.

The chapel was granted cathedral status by Pope Paul III in 1534 and was expanded in 1550 by the Portuguese Governor George Cabral. An inscribed slab on the chapel commemorates Afonso de Albuquerque’s entry into Goa.

For those planning a visit, the Chapel of St. Catherine is open daily from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, and the best time to visit is between October and March. There is no entry fee, making it a budget-friendly addition to your travel itinerary. The chapel is located within the same compound as the Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, offering a compact yet enriching historical tour.

So, whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking to soak in some culture, the Chapel of St. Catherine provides a captivating glimpse into Goa's colonial past—without...

☆Chapel of St Catherine The chapel of St. Catherine is one of the magnificently constructed old chapels in Taleigao, which is 5 kms away from Panaji. This chapel is dedicated to St. Catherine and is built of laterite stones with a tower on either side of the church fa�ade of St. Francis of Assisi. This is a small chapel which is in the interior of this church, and has a plain altar.

This chapel owes its origins to Alfonso De Albuquerque who built this church when he took possession of Goan territory on St. Catherine's Day in 1510. This was later rebuilt in 1552 over the existing remains of the earlier structure and was enlarged by the then Governor, George Cabral who inscribed a stone slab inscripting the entry of Alfonso De Albuquerque who captured Goa from the Muslim rulers on St. Catherine's Day in 1510 and thus built this chapel.

It is located west of the church of St. Francis of Assisi. The status of this chapel was later elevated to that of a Cathedral by Pope Paul III owing to a Papal Bill passed in 1534...