Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a beautiful Catholic church in Old Goa, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent church is devoted to St. Francis Xavier, Goa’s patron saint, and preserves his mortal remains in a silver casket created by Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini.

Key features:

Art & Decor: The inside boasts complex decorations, paintings, and golden altars, including a major altar that stands 54 feet tall and 30 feet wide.

Architecture: The basilica is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, seamlessly mixing Doric, Corinthian, and composite forms.

History: Construction began in 1594 and was completed in 1605, making it more than 408 years old.

• Art & Decor: The inside boasts complex decorations, paintings, and golden altars, including a major altar that stands 54 feet tall and 30 feet wide.
• Relics: The basilica houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, which are displayed every ten years.
  The basilica is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM on Sundays.

Interesting facts:

• Pope Pius XII raised the Basilica of Bom Jesus to minor basilica status in 1946, making it India’s first.
• It is recognized as one of the world’s Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin.
• The church’s exterior is built with red laterite stone and black granite, and is not plastered, giving it a distinct appearance.