Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa, India

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a Catholic basilica located in Goa, in the Konkan region of India.

The basilica is located in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, and holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier.

Entrance to the Basilica

Southeast wall of the Basilica

Construction work on the church began in 1594 , but still no one was able to put a cross upon the church.
The church was consecrated in May 1605 by the archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes.

Northeast side of the Basilica

Main entrance to the Basilica on the northeast side

Tomb of St. Francis Xavier

The tomb is housed in a marble mausoleum designed by the Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini.
The saint's remains are kept in a silver casket, which is a stunning example of Italian and Indian craftsmanship.
The tomb is divided into three parts: the altar, the mausoleum, and the silver casket.
St. Francis Xavier's body is said to be miraculously preserved, and it is displayed to the public every ten years.
The tomb attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world due to its cultural and historical importance.