Introduction

About 10 kilometers (6.25 miles) from Panjim in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus built in 1695 is lauded as one of the finest specimens of baroque architecture in India. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a close friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesuits and spread Christianity in India. One of Goa’s oldest churches, it is carpeted with marble flooring and inlaid with precious gems and stones. Look out for its elaborate and highly structured gilded altars, the paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis Xavier.

The great saint is believed to have died on the Sancian Island while waiting for a ship to take him to China in 1552. Two years later, his body was shipped to Goa from Malacca (a Malaysian state). Legend has it that the saint’s body was as fresh as the day it was buried. Devotees even today come from far and wide to view the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, more so during the public viewing of his body every ten years (last held in 2004) during his death anniversary. Pilgrims visit from all over the world because the saint is believed to have miraculous powers of healing. There is a mausoleum designed by the 17th century Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini, which took ten years to complete. The body of the saint is housed in a beautiful silver casket which was a gift from the last Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Dedicated to infant Jesus (Bom Jesus), this church is most revered among Goans. Browse the Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery on the upper level, overlooking the tomb, for its collection of surrealist paintings by Goan artist Dom Martin. More than 400 years old, the church has a sense of austerity and timelessness, besides being home to the body of St. Francis Xavier kept in a lavishly embellished silver casket. A Goan holiday is incomplete without a visit to the baroque Basilica of Bom Jesus.

The basilica also holds a sound and light show based on the life of Christ, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Joseph Vaz, and the feast is held every year on December the third.

Special Attributes

The church houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier which is opened for public viewing in a solemn exhibition every 10 years on his death anniversary. Pilgrims visit from all over the world because the saint is believed to have miraculous powers of healing.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately, avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

You can take a private taxi or hire a motorcycle. Besides, there are frequent buses from Panaji to Old Goa.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be indoors

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

The basilica also holds a sound and light show based on the life of Christ, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Joseph Vaz, and the feast is held every year on December the third.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Keep your tone low in the church, and turn your phone to silent mode

Type of site

A 17th century basilica