Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa: Oldest Church in Goa

This basilica is an architectural marvel attracting visitors from around the world. It is rich in history and stunning design. Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa is one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. It takes visitors, back in time with its intricate carvings that represent human craftsmanship and faith. The church is called “Bom Jesus” which means “Good Jesus” or “Infant Jesus”

History of Basilica of Bom Jesus Church

The history of Basilica of Bom Jesus church is more than 408 years old. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 24 November 1594 and completed on 15 May 1605. Upon completion, It was Consecrated by FR. Alexiade Menezes, the archbishop of GOA & primate of India. In the year of 1946, the status of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa was raised to minor Basilica. 

Right before the construction of Bom basilica church goa, the political heads and senate opposed and stopped the construction of the church. Due to this, they turned a small house into a church and carved ”JESUS” on the door. The next day, the bell rang and called the people nearby to celebrate mass. After this incident, the opponents were never able to destroy the small home-turned-church. However, in 1663 the small church was destroyed due to a fire accident. It was rebuilt in 1783 with a spacious structure, making it one of the best places to visit in Goa.

Architecture of Basilica of Bom Jesus

The facade of the Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa church at the top has the letters “HIS”, which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek. The interior of the church was built in the Mosaico-Corinthian style. 

The roof of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa was originally tiled and the floor was made of marble with precious stones inlaid. The main altar of the Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa holds a large statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of Jesuits(Society of Jesus) as he was one of the closest companions of  St Francis Xavier. 

The Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa also holds paintings from the life of St. Francis Xavier. Bom basilica church goa has three levels. It has one main altar, two chapels, and a sacristy.

The mausoleum in the Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa was constructed over a period of ten years. The top level of this tomb holds an art gallery, which contains many rare works of Dom Martin, a Goan painter. 

The mausoleum was designed by the 17th-century Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini which is placed on the top with the silver casket. It contains the body of St. Francis Xavier. 

Suggested Read: Top 10 Movies Shot In Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa: Must View Attractions

1. Carved columns both inside and outside
2. The main altar with carvings and gilding
3. The Statue of St. Francis Xavier
4. Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
5. Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament
6. Quadrangular pediment at the top of the un-plastered façade
7. Painting of the relics of the saint
8. Modern art gallery paintings
9. Sacristy – chest containing the Golden Rose

Facts About Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa

• The pillars of Bom Basilica church Goa are made of basalt Bassein, which is around 300 km away from the site of the church. 
• Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa is the only church that has no plastered-out cover. In fact, as per the history of Basilica of Bom Jesus church, it had a plastered-out cover, which was removed later by Portuguese conservationists.
• The earthly remains of St. Xavier, in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa still is in good condition. However, it is said that no chemical form of preservation was ever used.
• It is believed that the body of St. Xavier at the Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa has healing powers.

Suggested Read: 9 Best Places To Shop In Goa

 Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa: Visitor Information

2. What is the timing of Basilica of Bom Jesus Church?

The best timing of Basilica of Bom Jesus Church depends on the masses held as follows

Regular Masses at Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa: 

• Sunday – 8.00am, 9.15am and 6.00pm in Konkani, 10.15am in English
• Mon to Sat – 7.00 am, 8.00 am and 6.00 pm

Masses held at St. Francis Xavier at Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa:

• 6th of every month at 10.00 am
• The holy hour is held on the first Friday of every month at 5.00 pm

As a tourist: 

• Sunday – 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
• Mon to Sat – 9.00 am to 6.30 pm

3. Basilica of Bom Jesus Church location: Old Goa Road, Velha Goa, Goa 403402

4. The architectural style of Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa: Baroque architecture

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a renowned church located in Old Goa, about 10 km from Panaji. It is one of the oldest and most revered churches in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The church is famous for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. Its incredible facade and elaborate interior decoration attract visitors worldwide to marvel at this architectural and historical gem.

The church remains an important pilgrimage site, especially during the Feast of St. Francis Xavier celebrated every December.

With its rich history and spiritual significance, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is truly a remarkable monument of Goa’s cultural heritage.