Basilica of Bom Jesus

Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the famous tourist places in Goa. It is a church where the Christians from the world around respectfully admire. It is an archaeological monument in the world. It is located 10 km away from Panaji, which is the capital city of Goa. It is one of the most ancient church in the world which is built-in 1594. It is consecrated in 1605. Basilica of Bom Jesus is a living church which symbolizes the beginning of Christianity. Even it is half-ruined still shows its elegance of ancient culture. This church keeps the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a special friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The important fact is that even after 400 years those remains are well preserved. They are taken out once every decade. Basilica of Bom Jesus has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its ancient culture and religious admiration.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is open for public every day. This place is worth to visit due to its historical value. And the entire structure of the church is well maintained as it is. The body of St. Xavier was first taken to Portuguese and after two years it is shipped to Goa again. The remains of Saint is the major attraction of this church. It is said that the saint has a great power to heal all ailments. During the day when the saints remain are taken out which is once in 10 years people from all over the world both Christians and non-Christians alike gather in-crowd for that special day. That special day was lastly held in 2014. The interiors of the church purely resemble the ancient mode of designing and construction. The floor is made of Marble with precious stones. Besides elaborated gilded altars overall design and structure of the church are simple and elegant. There is a huge statue of St.Ignatius Loyola, the founder of Christian society or society of Jesus. While entering the church we can see beautiful flooring with wood and carvings which adds up to the significance of heritage and dignity. This church also possesses beautiful paintings taken from the life scenes of great St. Francis Xavier. There is mausoleum on the top which is a silver casket with the body of St. Francis Xavier. This mausoleum was built by p years by a florentine sculptor Giovanni Batista Foggini. There is a modern art gallery attached to this church.