The Basilica of Bom Jesus is perhaps Old Goa’s most famous landmark. The town is situated along the Mandovi river, about 10km from Panaji. Showing off the Baroque style of architecture, this early 16th century cathedral is now a World Heritage Monument. The construction of the church began in 1594 and it was completed and consecrated in 1605. White marble structures, gilded altar with precious-stone inlay work and frescoes mark the church’s architecture. The cathedral’s beautiful façade can be seen from far. Wood, stone and gold sculptures adorn the altar.
‘Bom Jesus’ means ‘Infant Jesus’ or ‘Good Jesus’. Thousands of visitors come to this church every year. It is India’s first Minor Basilica. The Basililca of Bom Jesus houses the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier. He, along with St Ignatius Loyola, was instrumental in founding the order of Jesuits, also called the Society of Jesus.
The patron saint of Goa died in 1552. Abiding by his wishes, his remains were transferred to Goa a year after his death. Cosimo de Medici III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, gifted the mortal remains to the basilica. A silver casket holds the airtight glass coffin which contains the saint’s embalmed body. The casket was built by Giovanni Batista Foggini, a 17th century Florentine sculptor.
The saint inspires healing in devotees across the world. According to sources, the saint’s body has remained fresh during its transportation and housing in India. Christians and others come and visit the church as well as the saint’s casket. The casket is lowered for public viewing once in a decade, the last one being in 2004.
The Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery is housed on the floor above the tomb, overlooking it. The gallery has paintings from the life of the saint as well as those by Goan surrealist painter, Dom Martin.