Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus stands as the crowning jewel of Old Goa's religious architecture and a monumental example of Baroque design in India. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 17th-century church holds immense historical and spiritual significance for Christians worldwide. The basilica is most famous for housing the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, the "Apostle of the Indies," whose miraculously preserved body attracts millions of pilgrims. The church's architectural brilliance lies in its simplicity - the unplastered laterite stone exterior creates a striking contrast with the ornate gilded interiors featuring exquisite artwork and marble inlays. The main altar dedicated to Infant Jesus showcases magnificent gold-plated carvings, while the adjacent mausoleum containing St. Francis Xavier's relics represents a masterpiece of Jesuit art. The Basilica of Bom Jesus serves as a living museum of Goa's Portuguese colonial past and continues to be an active place of worship, bridging centuries of faith and tradition.