Basilica of Bom Jesus

Basilica of Bom Jesus is a top attraction for Catholic Christians from around the world. India’s first minor basilica, it is the final resting place of Saint Francis Xavier, a famous missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, many also visit the basilica to see its wonderful baroque architecture. The building’s façade is made of black granite and red laterite stones – the sight is imposing and very impressive. It is a subtle mix of Corinthian, Doric, and composite styles. Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World.

Spend a day away from the beaches. Visit Velha or Old Goa, which is only a short drive from Panaji. Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the key attractions here. The imposing 61-feet structure of this 16th-century Baroque church is sure to impress you. See the wonderful carvings outside and the sculptures inside. There is a lot to see around this church. You can easily spend half a day in Old Goa visiting the Bom Jesus Basilica and the other attractions.

One of the oldest churches of India, its construction was carried out between 1594 and 1605.

Basilica of Bom Jesus Map

Gallery

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History of Basilica of Bom Jesus

Basilica of Bom Jesus was constructed between 1594 and 1605, making it more than 400 years old. Archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes consecrated the church a year later in May. The church was given the status of a minor basilica in 1946. The mortal remains of Saint Francis have been kept here since 1554 after his death 2 years before while he was going to China. It attracts a lot of tourists, both Christians and others. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier had miraculous healing powers.

This is Goa’s only monument that does not have plaster. But Basilica of Bom Jesus did have plaster before. It was removed by a Portuguese conservationist who thought that by removing the plaster, the carvings on the façade would be better preserved.

Bom Jesus means ‘infant Jesus’ or 'good Jesus. On top of the façade see the letters, ‘HIS’, the first 3 letters of Jesus in Greek.

Basilica of Bom Jesus – Quick Facts

• 1 hour should be enough at the basilica
• There is no entry fee

Inside The Church

On arrival, you are sure to be impressed with the building’s façade. It has carved triangular roofing depicting the initials IHS, which stands for “Jesus, Savior of Men”. The inside is even more impressive.

The floor has marble mosaics with precious stones. A screen runs from the ceiling to the floor, depicting an image of St. Ignatius Loyola protecting Infant Jesus. Loyola was one of the main companions of Francis Xavier. You can also see paintings from the life of the saint. Look above to see the image of the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. In the northern wall, you can see a cenotaph of Dom Jeronimo Mascarenhas, the Captain of Cochin. Three sides of the pulpit have figures of Jesus, four doctors of the church, and the four evangelists.

The altar has two chapels. To the right, you will see the altar of St. Anthony and to the left is a wooden statue of Francis Xavier. In the southern side, there is another chapel with twisted columns that are made of wood and gold. The relics of St. Francis Xavier are kept safely inside the basilica. There is a beautiful silver statue in front of the silver casket.

See the Professed House of Bom Jesus, which is adjacent to the Basilica. There is also a modern art gallery where you can see many Italian paintings. The largest paintings here are Genesis and The Last Judgment.

Feast of Saint Francis Xavier

On December 3 ^rd feast of Saint Xavier is held at the church every year. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the church on the day for the feast after a devotional novena, which is held over 9 days. There are many festivities and open-air masses at this time.

What To See Near Basilica Of Bom Jesus

1. Sé Cathedral – 2 minutes walking from the Basilica. Constructed in the 16th century by the Portuguese, this is the Asia’s largest church. See the Sino de Ouro here, which is the largest bell in Asia.
2. Viceroys Arch – Walk a few meters from the Sé Cathedral towards the Mandovi River and you will reach this historical arch. It was erected by the grandson of Vasco da Gama, Viceroy Francisco da Gama. It stands in a beautiful location between many tall palm trees.
3. Church of St. Cajetan – To the right of the arch. This 17th-century church resembles St. Peter’s Basilica of Rome. It is very well preserved. You will also find very few tourists here.
4. Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah – Located between the Viceroys Arch and the St. Cajetan church. This stone gateway is made of black volcanic rock. This used to be the gateway of a 16th-century sultan’s palace, which is now in ruins.
5. Archaeological Museum – You can see many artifacts that have been excavated in Goa, including pillars, wooden sculptures, stamps, and portraits from pre-historic to the late medieval period of Goa.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus and Old Goa is a good day-trip from Panaji. You can also see the Museum of Christian Art, Wax World Museum, remains of the 46 meters high St. Augustine Tower, and the neighboring Agustinian Convent that is also in ruins. You can also visit the nearby Divar Island, which is on the opposite side of the Mandovi River.