This is the largest church in Goa, India and reportedly all Asia. The original building was constructed of mud and stones and straw and was erected in 1510 and was dedicated to St. Catherine. In 1538 the church status was elevated to that of a Cathedral.

Attached to the west side of Se Cathedral is the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi whose Church also faces west. The Archiepiscopal Palace joins the Se Cathedral to the Convent. The Archbishops continued to reside in this palace until 1695.