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Basilica Of Bom Jesus

📍 Basilica of Bom Jesus, GoaView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to February

⏰ Open Hours:Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM, Sunday: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM

🏞 Things To Do:Explore the Basilica, visit the Museum of Christian Art, sightsee the tomb of St. Francis Xavier

💰 Budget:No entry fee, Museum of Christian Art: INR 30 per person

🧳 Traveller Types:Family, Solo, History Buffs, Religious Travelers

📌 Known For:Housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest churches in Goa

🚉 Distances:Goa International Airport: 24 km, Madgaon Railway Station: 35 km, Panaji: 10 km

⛪ Architecture:Baroque architectural style

🎨 Artwork:Exquisite gilded altars and frescoes

🙏 Religious Significance:Sacred to Roman Catholics, site of annual feast of St. Francis Xavier

📚 History:Built in 1605, consecrated in 1605

👀 Highlights:Mausoleum of St. Francis Xavier, intricately carved pulpit, art gallery in the convent

👮 Regulations:Maintain silence, no photography inside the basilica

♿ Accessibility:Wheelchair accessible

🛍 Nearby Attractions:Se Cathedral, St. Augustine Tower, Archaeological Museum

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Basilica Of Bom Jesus: A Historical And Spiritual Treasure In Goa

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see a 500-year-old church that houses the body of a saint who performed miracles and traveled across continents? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a historical and spiritual treasure in Goa, India.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited churches in India. It is famous for its Baroque architecture and the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and beauty of this remarkable church, and how you can plan a memorable visit to this sacred site.

The History and Significance of the Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus was built in the 16th century by the Jesuits, a Catholic religious order that played a prominent role in the evangelization of Asia. The name "Bom Jesus" means "Good Jesus" or "Infant Jesus", and refers to the image of Jesus as a child that is venerated in the church.

Photo of Basilica Of Bom Jesus 1/2 by

The church was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, as part of the group of churches and convents of Goa. It represents the cultural and religious heritage of Goa and India, which was influenced by the Portuguese colonization and the spread of Christianity.

The church is also famous for being the final resting place of St. Francis Xavier, one of the most revered saints in Catholicism. St. Francis Xavier was a Spanish Jesuit missionary who traveled across India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and China, preaching the gospel and converting thousands of people. He is known as the patron saint of Goa and the Apostle of the Indies.

St. Francis Xavier died in 1552 on an island near China, but his body was brought to Goa in 1554 by his fellow Jesuits. His body was remarkably well-preserved, despite being buried and exhumed several times. His body was placed in a silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in 1637, where it remains to this day.

The most amazing thing about his body is that it has not decomposed completely, even after almost five centuries. His body still shows signs of life, such as flexibility, hair growth, and wound healing. Many people believe that his body is miraculous and has healing powers.

Every 10 years, his body is displayed to the public in a solemn ceremony called the Exposition. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world flock to see his relics and seek his blessings. The last Exposition was held in 2014, and the next one is expected in 2024.

You may also like to read: UNESCO World Heritage & The Face of Goa

The Architecture and Interiors of the Basilica of Bom Jesus

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(c) Wiki Commons

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, a style that originated in Europe and is characterized by ornate details, curved shapes, and dramatic effects. The church has a red laterite stone facade that contrasts with the white plaster walls. It has Corinthian columns that support a triangular pediment with the letters IHS (the monogram of Jesus) and statues of St. Ignatius Loyola (the founder of the Jesuits) and St. Francis Xavier.

The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a marble floor, a wooden ceiling, gilded altars, paintings and sculptures, and an organ. The main altar is dedicated to the Infant Jesus, and has a large statue of St. Ignatius Loyola holding a sun with the letters IHS. Above him are angels holding the symbols of his life: a book, a globe, a cross, and a skull.

The most important feature of the interior is the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, which is located on the right side of the altar. The tomb is made of marble and jasper, and has exquisite carvings depicting scenes from his life. The silver casket that contains his body is placed on top of the tomb, inside a glass case. The casket has four panels that show his miracles, such as raising the dead, curing the sick, calming storms, and multiplying food.

You may also like to read: Your Goa trip is incomplete if you haven't seen these gorgeous churches!

The church also has some artistic masterpieces that are worth admiring, such as:

1. The carved wooden pulpit that has intricate designs of flowers, animals, and angels.

2. The mural of St. Christopher that covers an entire wall behind the altar. It depicts St. Christopher carrying the Infant Jesus across a river.

3. The statue of St. Francis Xavier that stands next to his tomb. It shows him holding a silver casket with his right hand and blessing the people with his left hand.

4. The painting of The Last Judgment that hangs above the main entrance. It shows Jesus judging the souls of the dead, while angels and demons fight for them.

The church also has some symbolic meanings behind some of these elements, such as:

1. The red color of the facade represents the blood of Christ and the martyrs.

2. The letters IHS represent the name of Jesus and the motto of the Jesuits: "Iesus Hominum Salvator" (Jesus, Savior of Mankind).

3. The sun with the letters IHS represents the light of Christ and the glory of God.

4. The symbols of St. Ignatius Loyola represent his virtues and achievements: the book for his learning, the globe for his missions, the cross for his faith, and the skull for his death.

The Timings and Entry Fee of the Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. There is no entry fee to enter the church, but donations are welcome. The church also holds daily masses in English, Konkani, and Portuguese at different timings. You can check the official website for more details.

The church has a dress code that requires visitors to dress modestly and respectfully. You should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or any clothing that exposes too much skin. You should also remove your shoes before entering the church.

The church has some rules and regulations that visitors should follow, such as:

1. Respect the sanctity of the place and maintain silence and decorum.

2. Do not take photographs or videos inside the church, especially near the tomb of St. Francis Xavier.

3. Do not touch or kiss the relics of St. Francis Xavier, as they are fragile and sacred.

4. Do not litter or damage any property inside or outside the church.

If you want to avoid crowds or queues, you should visit the church early in the morning or during weekdays, when there are fewer tourists. You should also book online tickets in advance if you want to attend the Exposition, as they are limited and sell out fast.

How to Reach the Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in Old Goa, about 10 km from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. You can reach the church by various modes of transport, such as:

By car

You can drive to the church by taking the NH 748 highway from Panaji. There is a parking lot near the church where you can park your car for a nominal fee.

By bus

You can take a bus from Panaji bus stand to Old Goa bus stand, which is about 1 km from the church. The bus fare is around Rs. 10 per person.

By train

You can take a train from Panaji railway station to Karmali railway station, which is about 5 km from the church. The train fare is around Rs. 20 per person.

By flight

You can take a flight from any major city in India to Goa International Airport, which is about 25 km from the church. You can then take a taxi or a bus to reach the church.

Other Attractions Near Basilica of Bom Jesus

Old Goa was the former capital of Portuguese India, and has many historical monuments and churches that showcase its rich heritage. You can visit places like Se Cathedral (the largest church in Asia), Church of St. Francis of Assisi (a museum of Christian art), Archaeological Museum (a showcase of Goa's history), and St. Augustine Tower (a ruined bell tower).

Se Cathedral

Se Cathedral is a majestic church that was built in 1619 to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over a Muslim army. It has a Tuscan exterior and a Corinthian interior, and boasts of having a golden bell that is one of the largest in India. It also has a chapel that contains a fragment of a cross that is believed to have miraculous powers.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi

Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a beautiful church that was built in 1661 by the Franciscans, another Catholic religious order. It has a Baroque facade and a Mannerist interior, and houses a museum of Christian art that displays paintings, sculptures, vestments, and relics related to Goa's colonial past.

Museum of Christian Art

Museum of Christian Art is a unique museum that showcases the artistic legacy of Goa's Christian community. It has a collection of over 200 items that date back to the 16th century, such as ivory statues, silver chalices, wooden altars, and embroidered vestments. It also has a library that contains rare books and manuscripts on Christian art and history.

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum is a fascinating museum that displays the archaeological and historical evidence of Goa's past. It has a collection of over 8000 items that range from prehistoric to modern times, such as stone tools, coins, inscriptions, sculptures, paintings, and weapons. It also has a portrait gallery that features the portraits of the governors and viceroys of Goa.

St. Augustine Tower

St. Augustine Tower is a ruined bell tower that was once part of a large church complex that was built in 1602 by the Augustinians, another Catholic religious order. The tower is 46 meters high and has four stories, but only one remains intact. It is a symbol of the decline and destruction of Old Goa, as the church was abandoned and demolished by the Portuguese government in 1835.

Conclusion

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a historical and spiritual treasure in Goa that you should not miss. It is a place where you can witness the marvels of architecture, art, and faith, and learn about the life and legacy of St. Francis Xavier, one of the greatest missionaries of all time. It is also a place where you can experience the culture and heritage of Goa, and explore its other attractions and charms.

If you are looking for a destination that will enrich your mind, soul, and senses, then you should definitely visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Happy Travels!

Basilica Of Bom Jesus Reviews

The sun shone bright and the we chose to visit the churches in old Goa. Our first choice was Bascillica of Bom Jesus; located in North Goa, it is principally known for preserving the mortals of St. Francis Xavier. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highly interesting element adds to its glamour – the sound and light show, presenting the life journey of St. Francis. Tips: Please dress up modestly – no shorts, caps or hats. You’ll be nagged by some dress code policewomen if your outfit fails to sway below the knees. The scorching heat was beyond tolerance. So, we marched towards Panjim to reach our hotel room. Since our hotel was just at a stone’s throw away from the church, “Our Lady of Immaculate Conception”, we stopped by the monument for some candid clicks. This marvellous church houses the ancient bell that was removed from the Augustinian ruins of the church of Our Lady Of Grace. The bell is one of its kinds. As the name suggests, the facade of this church is painted in unsullied bright white. After glaring at the architecture to our heart’s content, we rushed back to our hotel rooms and got fresh. Later, in the evening, we picked colourful outfits in order to blend along with the eye catching views mounted in Fountain has – it’s a Portuguese heritage colony in Panjim popular for its chain of colourful houses and villas painted in bright yellow, blue, maroon and so on. It’s indeed a treat to the shutterbugs and easily paves its way quite smoothly to their galleries. We wound up our day two with a heritage walk in this enchanting colony flaunting wide-ranging hues one after another.
There is a shop from where you can buy spices and some natural oils. We started our return journey from there, and in one hour, we were in Goa. We stopped near the 'basilica of bom jesus'. I was enthralled to see the centuries old church. We spend some time there, roaming around the church. We saw the gallery too, it had many old and beautiful paintings and sculpture. It took us around half an hour to reach home form there. We were extremely tired so decided not to go anywhere in the evening. We took rest and left for dinner at around 8 o' clock. We went to 'Fat Fish'. It is a famous restaurant in north Goa which serves awesome sea foods. We heard about this restaurant from one our friends who visited Goa some time back. We found out that it was only 20 minutes' walk from our stay so, decided to take a walk instead of taking a cab. It was a mistake. 'Fat Fish' is in a deserted place, it is by the main road but still there was nothing nearby and the road didn't even have street lights in some places. So always take a cab if you want to go to any unknown place in Goa, even if it is nearby.
The next day we had our flight to Hyderabad. I wanted to see the Old Goa church too. Its called the Basilica of Bom Jesus. I thought next day we would call our cab guy a little earlier and on the way, we would stop there and then head towards the Airport. But, that didn't happen! :( the cab broke down and the guy was late by almost forty five minutes. We had to skip that! I was sad. But my friend convinced me, he said, "let's leave somethings for our next trip." Yes, Next trip! He he.. All the more excited. The drive towards airport was another amazing thing. Goa is beautiful, indeed. Its different. Overall, the beaches are worth visiting. The beauty of the beach is Mesmerizing. The food, the ambience, the music, the crowd, the street shopping, the culture, the churches, its just not India. Or, you can say, its the other side of India. Goa again, for sure! :) Like the name suggest, the environment is absolutely green and so peaceful. A little far from the beach but a typical Holiday home. Recommended for people looking for a break from usual hustle and bustle of the city life.
Next we went to Basilica of Bom Jesus Churchand Se Cathedral Church. The Bom Jesus Basilica, perhaps Goa's most famous church and among the most revered by Christians worldwide, is partially in ruins but still a model of simplicity and elegance, and a fine example of Jesuit architecture.This is the only church in Old Goa, which is not plastered on the outside, the lime plaster having been stripped off by a zealous Portuguese conservationist in 1950. Located at Old Goa, 10 kilometres east of Panaji, the Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument. Also there's a modern art gallery attached to the Basilica. The Se Catedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral, is the cathedral of the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. It is located in Old Goa. Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia and is known for its giant bells and exquisite architecture. With a classical Iberian façade, the impressive Se Cathedral symbolized Portugal’s commitment to the Catholic Church as well as its overwhelming supremacy.
Next day, I was planning to visit Doodh Sagar which is a small trek and a place for adventure sports. But due to heavy rain last night it was closed and we have to come back empty handed. But since the weather was nice, it was a great ride in rain. But I don't want to waste time in waiting and sleeping at hotel so I asked local people about famous spots where one could visit. Someone tole me about a place called Basilica of Bom JesusThe Basilica of Bom Jesus or Borea Jezuchi Bajilika is located in Goa, India, and is part of the Churches and convents of Goa UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rules. It took me 2 hours to reach there but when I reached there but totally worth it.
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