Basilica of Bom Jesus Church

The city of Old Goa has several of Goa's notable churches and the Basilica of Bom Jesus church stands out for its wonderful European style architecture. Built in 1695, the Bom Jesus Church has been planned along the lines of Gesu, the Jesuit headquarters in Rome. In 1946, the church was certified as a Minor Basilica, the first church of India to be accorded such a status. Dedicated to Infant Jesus, the church has been certified as a world heritage monument by UNESCO. 'Bom Jesus' literally means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus.' The Basilica of Bom Jesus white marble flooring and has beautifully gilded altars festooned with frescoes and inlay work. The inflicting façade is enabled with a profusion of basalt embellishments making it one of the richest facades in Goa.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) whoever died on a voyage to China in 1552. Legend has it that the body of Xavier was sent to Goa the following year, it was found to be as fresh as the day of burial. Consequent to this miracle, Xavier was accorded the title of 'Saint'. Tourists from all over the world, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus to see the mortal remains of the saint. When the Basilica of Bom Jesus was created in the 17th century by French sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini, he placed the statue in a silver casket and installed it at a certain height from the ground. This silver casket is lowered for devotees on the day of the 'Exposition' who come to catch a glimpse of the saint and obtain his b blessings.

The exposition of St. Francis Xavier is held once in every decade, the last one being in 2004.One can avail the regional bus services of Old Goa to arrive the Basilica of Bom Jesus. There are also alternatives of taxis and auto rickshaws. If you are a tourist with only some limited time on hand, then you should avail of a single -day tour of the city that will take you to a tour of Basilica of Bom Jesus.