Vehla Goa S.O. – 403402
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Date of Introduction : 09-10-2020
Postmark : 04-05-2023
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a famous church located in Old Goa, which is about 10 kilometers from the city of Panaji, the capital of the Indian state of Goa. The church was built in the late 16th century and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India.
The name “Bom Jesus” means “Good Jesus” or “Infant Jesus” in Portuguese. The church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary who arrived in Goa in 1542 and is believed to have converted thousands of people to Christianity in the region. His body is preserved in a silver casket inside the church and is brought out for public viewing every ten years.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus has a simple yet elegant exterior with a semi-circular dome and two bell towers. The interior is adorned with beautiful paintings and frescoes, including a large mural depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The altarpiece is made of marble and features scenes from the life of Christ.
One of the unique features of the church is its floor, which is made of marble and inlaid with precious stones. The floor contains several tombstones, including one belonging to the founder of the city of Macau, China.
The church has undergone several restorations over the years and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It is a popular tourist attraction and a place of pilgrimage for Christians from around the world. This church is considered to be one one of the best examples of Portuguese Colonial architecture in India.