Alfonso de Albuquerque, when won Goa from Muslim ruler, the day of his entry to this land was 25th November. As homage to her blessings the general built this chapel at the doors of the city to commemorate of his entrance. The chapel stands exactly at the location of gates to the city of Goa, when ruled by the Muslims. Though non-functional now, the church yet is of immense significance relating to the inauguration of Portuguese rule on Indian land. Interesting points about the church:

• Annual Easter Day festival and Christmas Days is celebrated with lots of passion and enthusiasm and the whole chapel is fabulously decorated with flowers and grand lightings.
• This is one of the Goa churches, under protection and conservation of Archeological Survey of India.
• St. Catherine, patron of this church is believed to have miraculous powers and grant people all their wishes and cure all the diseases. People visit the church to pray, light candles, meditate in a peaceful environment, confess their mistakes and ask for forgiveness.

How to Reach the Church:

In close vicinity of St. Francis Church and Se Cathedral, the solitary church lies on the banks of Mandovi River in east Tiswadi. Taking the NH 4A you can easily reach there. There are frequent lines of readily available public and luxurious private transportation. Thus taking a taxi or bus, you can easily reach the serene chapel of Catherine. You can also hire a motorcycle or auto-rickshaw. Located at a distance of 10km from Panjim, well connected with all major cities, people from all major cities throng the church courtyard. Nearest airport, Dabolim is at a distance of 30km away from the chapel. Margo and Vasco da Gama station of Konkan line are two nearest railway stations you can stop at.

Accommodation Facility:

Church lies in Old Goa close to Panjim, where you can find a fabulous line of Goa hotels. Accommodation in Goa never is a problem except in the peak seasons and you banked upon last moment bookings, while all the hotels are already reserved. There is a room for people from different cadres in Goa. All you need is getting yourself a good Goa hotel deal. 10 best rated hotels to stay around this church are:

• Le Meridien Dahab Resort
• Hilton Dahab Resort
• Coralia Club Dahab
• Swiss Inn Resort Dahab
• Iberotel Dahabeya
• Daniela Village St, Katherine
• Seashore Hotel Dahab
• Dahab Paradise
• The Bedouin moon Hotel
• Miami Beach Resort

Major Attractions:

This was the first place of catholic worship to be built in Goa, after the re-conquest of Goa. The church stands

Architectural Appeal:

Located south of the church of St. Francis of Assisi, original chapel was built in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque. Later a new altar was erected by the then Governor, George Cabral in the year 1550. Entire church later was enlarged and rebuilt with solid stones on remains of the original structure in 1552. Slab established by Governor Cabral, at the church as an epitome of Alfonso's victory on Mohammadans ruled Goa; still stands profoundly there. The chapel was raised to the status of a cathedral by the Pope Paul III by a Bull issued in 1534 and it remained so till the new Cathedral was erected. Standing in pale yellow, the church is built of laterite blocks, while the former structure a simple mud made structure. Owing to the role of the church in Portugal's royal estate the church was made at the expenses of his Highness. The chapel of St. Catherine has one altar and two towers on each side of its façade. Catherine's chapel standing proudly on its square has a marvelous three storied structure. The entrance of the Chapel is featured with a statue of Our Lady. Main altar of the church is square shaped and has a cruciform shaped. The church houses a beautiful communion table, dedicated to St. Catherine and above the altar is another statue of Our Lady of Piety. The chapel lately was restored by veteran Portuguese architect Balthazar de Castro. The chapel has rectangular window panes of ancient Portuguese style, dresses in mica shells.

Artistic Appeal

The façade and interiors of the church is featured by the Renaissance inspired architecture and engravings. Sacred hall of the church has been made in a very simple plan. Inside the church, when you enter the nave you see four crosses placed over the roof, and one Gothic cross placed over the altar inducing piety. These crosses altogether make an impressive charisma that the devotees awe at and take back with themselves in their heart. Main altar of the church has been beautifully gilded, with unique glimpses of artwork around. Paintings of the church depict the life and hardships of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The art gallery housed inside is a major attraction of this church. Chapel still stores some of its origins. This pristine chapel standing with the essence of medieval opulence is the most ancient of Goa and only the third oldest in entire Asia. The church is highly regarded.

Other Nearby Attractions:

Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Professed House and Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Cajetan, Viceroy's Arch, Dona Paula, Ruins of St. Augustine's Tower, Other prime churches and temples of Panjim, Candolim Beach, Aguada Fort, Archeological Museum, Bondla Forest, Calangute Beach, and Miramar Beach.

Note:
Church timing: 6am-6pm
While staying at Goa the magnificence and legendary past of St. Catherine's church is a big drive for you to must visit.