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Basilica of Bom Jesus Church

Goa
Churches

About Church of Basilica of Bom Jesus

The only basilica in Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction of this most popular church in Goa is that it houses the relics of St Francis Xavier. The mausoleum of St Francis Xavier is a masterpiece made by Giovanni Batista Foggini, it was assembled in Goa by Placido Francesco Ramponi.

The basilica is rich in art, history as well as architecture. It is the only basilica that is unplastered. There is also a modern art gallery with paintings depicting various Biblical scenes, and is also one of the largest of its kind in Asia.

History of Basilica of Bom Jesus

The history of Basilica of Bom Jesus states that its foundation stone was laid on November 24, 1594 and it was completed on May 16, 1605. It was given the status of minor basilica in 1946. The arrangements of housing the relics of St Francis Xavier in Basilica of Bom Jesus completed on April 24, 1659.

Architecture of Basilica of Bom Jesus

The architecture of Basilica of Bom Jesus is of classic form of plane architectural style. The façade of the basilica is of granite and represents features of five styles of architecture - Roman, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite. It is a three-storied structure that has an influence of Baroque architecture.

Major Highlights of Basilica of Bom Jesus

Quadrangular pediment at the top of the façade
Carved columns
Statue of St. Francis Xavier
Modern art gallery paintings
Sacristy – chest containing the Golden Rose
Main altar for its carving and gilding
Gilded reredos with the statues of St. Ignatius and the Infant Jesus
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
Painting of the relics of the saint
Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament
Paintings of the saints

Visiting Time of Basilica of Bom Jesus

Monday to Saturday – 9.00am to 6.30pm
Sunday – 10.30am to 6.30pm

How to Reach of Basilica of Bom Jesus?

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is situated around 11 km from Panaji via Ponte de Linhares Causeway. One can easily get a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Basilica of Bom Jesus from Panaji.