The most popular church in Goa and one of the oldest in India, Basilica of Bob Jesus is dedicated to infant Jesus. The church holds special religious significance for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Representing baroque architecture at its best, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit on a trip to Goa.
Marble floor is embedded with precious stones and there are some beautiful paintings depicting St. Francis’ life. The use of black granite and basalt lends unique worth to the outside architecture, while the interiors of the church are simple yet amusing. Decorated altars and the silver casket containing holy relics of the saint’s body are among other prime attractions.
Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery in the premises is also worth visiting. In the year 2014, the body of St. Francis will be displayed for public viewing (a practice that takes place after every 10 years).
Connectivites
Road:
The basilica is located close to the state capital Panaji (about 11 km. away) in Old Goa and is conveniently accessible by local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws. State run buses operate from Old Goa to and from the cities like Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.
Railway:
Of the many railway stations in Goa, one at Karmali is the closest to the basilica (about 2 km. away). One can also reach by train to other nearby railway stations like Vasco da Gama (about 25 km. away), Madgaon (about 35 km. away) and Tivim (about 30 km. away).
Airway:
Dabolim Airport (also called Goa International Airport) is located about 27 km. away from the basilica. Flights operate to and from Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad and international locations like Moscow, Munich, Sharjah, Doha and Manchester.