Standing like a crimson testament to faith and empire in the cradle of Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus rises as Asia’s first Minor Basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 1594 Baroque masterpiece that cradles the incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket. Located at 10m elevation in Velha Goa, this Jesuit church—built with laterite and lime plaster—features gilded altars, marble floors, and the saint’s mausoleum crafted in Florence. A spiritual fortress akin to Baga Beach’s vibrant pulse, the Basilica enchants with its Decennial Exposition and candle-lit processions. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, it offers a sacred odyssey, from touching the relic’s casket to tracing Portuguese inscriptions. With 2025 digital restoration tours and the Feast of St. Francis, this “Good Jesus Basilica” is an unmissable destination for pilgrims, historians, and travelers seeking Goa’s Catholic soul.
Key Attractions
St. Francis Xavier’s Relics: Incorrupt body in silver-gilt casket, visible every 10 years.
Main Altar: Gilded reredos with Infant Jesus and St. Ignatius.
Mausoleum of St. Francis: Italian marble tomb by Giovanni Battista Foggini.
Profess House: Adjoining Jesuit residence with Xavier’s room.
Sacred Art Gallery: Paintings of Jesuit saints and Goa’s martyrs.
Se Cathedral (0.5 km): Asia’s largest church with Golden Bell.
Archaeological Museum: Portuguese artifacts and viceroy portraits.
Things to Do
Venerate the Relics: View casket through glass (daily 6 AM–6:30 PM).
Attend Feast of St. Francis: Join Dec 3 mass and procession (Dec 3, 2025).
Explore Baroque Interiors: Admire 400-year-old frescoes and woodwork.
Photography of Facade: Capture laterite glow at golden hour.
Visit Se Cathedral: Ring the Golden Bell (~free).
Shop for Rosaries: Buy blessed beads at church stalls.
Savor Goan Cuisine: Relish sorpotel, vindaloo at nearby cafes.
Join Decennial Exposition: Next in 2024–25; check 2034–35 dates.
Local Culture and History
Built in 1594 by Jesuits and consecrated in 1605, the Basilica is the only Goan church without plaster, revealing raw laterite. St. Francis Xavier, “Apostle of the Indies,” died in 1552; his body arrived in 1554. Old Goa, once “Rome of the East,” had 30 churches by 1600. Goan culture blends with fado music and São João feasts. The 2025 digital tour, noted by Goa Tourism and X posts, uses AR for 16th-century reconstructions. The Basilica’s fusion of faith, art, and colonial legacy crafts a profound narrative.
Best Time to Visit
Open year-round (6 AM–6:30 PM), with November to February (winter, 20–32°C) ideal for feasts, St. Francis Day (Dec 3, 2025), and clear skies. October to March offers pleasant weather. April to June (summer, 30–38°C) suits early mornings. July to September (monsoon, 25–30°C) brings lush greenery; carry umbrellas. Free entry; book guided tours.
How to Reach
By Air: Goa International Airport (Dabolim, 30 km, ~45-min drive). Taxis ~₹800–1200.
By Train: Karmali Railway Station (10 km, ~20-min drive). Taxis ~₹400–600.
By Road: Via NH366 from Panjim (10 km, 20 min). GPSRTC buses (~₹20–50), taxis (~₹500–800). Parking near Basilica (~₹20–50).
Local Transport: Scooter rental (~₹300–500/day), autos (~₹200–400).
Travel Tips
Booking: Entry free; guided tour ~₹200–500; book via goa-tourism.com.
Cost: Food ~₹150–400; taxi from airport ~₹800–1200; hotels ~₹2000–5000/night.
Dress: Modest (cover shoulders/knees); remove hats.
Safety: Secure valuables; follow silence in church.
Respect Local Culture: No flash photography inside; silence during mass.
Connectivity: Mobile/Wi-Fi reliable; carry cash.
Environment: UNESCO site; no plastic; use bins.
Accessibility: Ramps at entrance; inner steps; inform staff.
Nearby Attractions
Se Cathedral (0.5 km): Golden Bell and cross.
St. Augustine Tower (0.3 km): Ruins of 46m bell tower.
Arch of Viceroys (0.4 km): 1599 Portuguese gateway.
Panjim (10 km): Latin Quarter and casinos.
Dona Paula (15 km): Viewpoint and legend.
Explore More
Discover other Goa treasures like the vibrant Baga Beach or serene Dudhsagar Falls on our Goa destinations page. Plan your sacred journey with indiatourisminfo.com today!
