Basilica of Bom Jesus

Overview

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Goa and one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India. Built between 1594 and 1605, it houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket. The basilica is the only church in Old Goa not plastered on the outside, exposing its laterite stone facade.

Highlights

• Tomb of St. Francis Xavier: The ornate silver reliquary casket donated by the Medici Grand Duke Cosimo III in 1698.
• Baroque Interior: Gilded altarpieces, carved wooden panels, and an intricately painted ceiling.
• Art Gallery: A small collection of Portuguese colonial-era paintings in the adjacent building.

History

Commissioned by Portuguese Jesuits and completed in 1605, the basilica became the repository for St. Francis Xavier's relics. Every ten years, the Exposition of the relics attracts millions of pilgrims from across the Catholic world.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid large tour groups.
• Photography: Allowed inside but not of the casket.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.