The Archbishop of Goa and Primate of India, Fr. Alexia de Menezes, laid the foundation for the Basilica of Bom Jesus history on November 24, 1594, and it was completed on May 15, 1605. After St. Francis Xavier died, his body was first preserved in Portugal before being returned to the basilica two years later. The saint was thought to possess extraordinary therapeutic healing abilities.

His remains are still in a mausoleum, in a beautifully decorated casket. The Order of the Jesuits was suppressed in 1759, and the Portuguese government took all of the Order's assets. The church, on the other hand, was allowed to continue its services and has since been respected as a holy location. In 1946, it was elevated to the status of a minor basilica.

The Bom Jesus Basilica Goa is a fine example of Baroque architecture and has a modest structure save for its gilded altars. The building's exterior is made of black granite and features a subtle combination of Doric, Corinthian, and composite styles. The pillars are fashioned from basalt, and the church stands at a height of 61 feet. The inside of the church was designed in the Mosaico-Corinthian style, and the main entrance is flanked by two smaller entrances. 

The Basilica of Bom Jesus architecture further involves an interior floor built of marble mosaic with precious stones, which gives it a melancholy air. The inside features a screen with an image of St. Ignatius Loyola shielding an infant Jesus that runs from the floor to the ceiling. Above all, there is the picture of the Holy Trinity, which is Christianity's most sacred emblem.

Tour the Modern Art Gallery

Two galleries are housed within the Basilica of Bom Jesus' intricately carved architecture. From 1973 to 1976, they have oil paintings dedicated to various Bible scriptures, designed by some of the world's most known painters. You can learn about the Basilica of Bom Jesus history there.

Check Chapel of St. Francis Xavier   

The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier is located on the southern side of the transept. There are carved and gilded columns, as well as wood-carved floral ornamentation, in this church. This is where the saint's relics are preserved. A beautiful silver statue stands in front of the silver casket in which St. Francis Xavier's remains rest.

Must see Gilded reredos with the statues of St. Ignatius and the Infant Jesus 

A magnificent figure of St. Ignatius of Loyola guards the Infant Jesus within the reredos. His gaze is drawn to a carved disc carrying the Jesuit emblem of "IHS" once more. The Holy Trinity, i.e. the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is depicted above this medallion.

The Basilica is open to visitors all year, but the inner sanctum may be closed on public holidays.

The Basilica's Sound and Light Show is a must-see.

There is also an art gallery on the premises that is worth visiting.

For varied language choices, Mass is held at different times. Make careful planning ahead of Basilica of Bom Jesus timings.

Between September and March is the finest time to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The treasure and magnificence of the church are best conveyed in the post-monsoon when the rain showers have soaked the surroundings.

• Se Cathedral
• Aguada Fort
• St. Augustine Tower
• Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Church of St. Cajetan
• Azossim waterfall
• Crocodile trip Jake The Snake at St.Estevam

• This magnificent church in Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa is about 400 years old! The church's foundation stone was positioned on November 24th.  It then got completed in 1605.
• The tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier were transferred from China to the Basilica of Bom Jesus two years after his death. The saint's body was discovered to be in perfect condition, just as it had been when he was buried.
• The church was built in the Baroque architectural style, which was the most fashionable in the 1960s.