Basilica Of Bom Jesus

Stroll Around The Oldest Church Of Goa – Basilica Of Bom Jesus

Situated in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a remarkable landmark that showcases both historical significance & architectural beauty. This iconic site has been a place of worship for Jesus since its completion in 1605 A.D. Inside, you’ll find the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The name “Bom Jesus,” meaning “Good Jesus,” was given by Alexio De Menezes in honor of a vow made by Portuguese sailors. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Bom Jesus remains one of the most popular attractions in Goa.

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History Of The Oldest Church In Goa

The history of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa dates back to the 16th century when King D. Joao III ruled Portugal. The current church, known for its distinctive pyramidal roof & five-story belfry, was constructed in the 17th century under the guidance of Archbishop Alexio Noronha.

During excavations in 1540, archaeologists uncovered various relics of significant artistic value, such as crosiers, patens, chalices, & crosses, which showcase the Portuguese conquest of Goa. These artifacts were later displayed in a dedicated section of a museum inaugurated by the Archbishop on December 8, 1987.

The original Church of Bom Jesus was built by the Franciscans in 1595, who expressed gratitude for their safe arrival in Goa by inscribing a message on a stone tablet above the entrance gate. This inscription, “A Devoçao De Nossa Senhora Da Saude E A Arvore Da Vida Novo Mundo,” translates to “built in the year 1535, to the devotion of Our Lady of Health & for life in a new world,” & can still be seen on the west door façade.

In 1604, the Archbishop of Goa began planning for a larger church. During the digging of the new church’s foundations, several beautiful pieces of 9th-century sculpture were discovered & are now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Old Goa.

The Architecture of Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is a key landmark in Portuguese colonial history, built in the 17th century by architects Julião Simão & Domingos Fernandes. It features a pretty interior with a central nave, side aisles, & an altarpiece that exemplifies colonial Indian art. The church’s roof is decorated with small Latin crosses, and the walls, ceilings, & pillars are painted by Italian artists. The exterior showcases intricate carvings & ornamental stucco work. The Basilica also houses valuable silver & gold artifacts acquired by Afonso de Albuquerque after his conquest of Malacca in 1511.

Essential Information

How To Reach Basilica Of Bom Jesus

From Bus Stand

Goa has approximately 15 bus stands, with Mapusa Bus Stand and Margao City Bus Stand being the closest to the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Taking a bus is the most affordable way to reach the church, with one-way fares ranging from INR 45 to INR 70.

From Railway Station

Goa features about 19 railway stations, with Karmali, Dabolim, & Thivim being the closest to the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Travelers can easily find taxis and buses outside these stations to reach the church.

From Panaji

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located 12 km from Panaji, & takes about 20 minutes to reach. The most affordable option is to take a bus, costing around INR 40. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for a faster journey to the Basilica.

From Goa International Airport

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located 24.1 km from Goa International Airport. You can reach the church via both buses and taxis, with the journey taking about 28 to 35 minutes. The most convenient and recommended option is to hire a taxi from the airport, which will cost between INR 590 and INR 750.

Best Time To Visit Basilica of Bom Jesus

The ideal time to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 23 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for exploring the church’s pretty entrance. The church’s beauty shines on bright, sunny days, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its detailed exterior. The Basilica is open from Monday to Sunday, but keep in mind that its hours may vary between weekdays and weekends.

Places Not To Miss Near Basilica Of Bom Jesus

While the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a beautiful attraction, there’s so much more to discover in Goa beyond its beautiful beaches. Here are some exciting places to explore near the Basilica:

1. Old Goa: Located just 180 meters from the Basilica, Old Goa is a vibrant area filled with lively parties & delicious Goan cuisine. You’ll see many colorful buildings showcasing colonial & Portuguese architecture. The lively streets and friendly locals make your visit to Old Goa even more enjoyable. Don’t miss out on trying “Ambot Tik,” a tasty curry made with fish, prawns, & shrimp!
2. Catholic Church of St. Francis of Assisi: About 400 meters from the Basilica, the Catholic Church of St. Francis of Assisi is an important historical site. Built in 1517 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its rich interiors & impressive exterior are sure to leave you amazed.
3. Se Cathedral: Just a 5-minute walk (240 meters) from the Basilica, Se Cathedral is one of the largest & best-preserved churches in Asia. With its beautiful Iberian architecture & white marble, this great church is a must-visit. The interiors feature intricate wooden carvings, colonial paintings, & high ceilings, offering a glimpse into history. Se Cathedral is also recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site.
4. The Archaeological Museum: Established in 1964, the Archaeological Museum in Old Goa is a key attraction showcasing the history of the region. It features wooden sculptures, portrait paintings, & artifacts from the Portuguese era, including coins, stamps, & metal figures. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
5. Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception : Located about 9.5 km away (an 18-minute drive) from the Basilica, the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is a beautiful landmark in Panaji. This iconic church has been featured in many Bollywood movies filmed in Goa. Its beautiful white Baroque architecture & unique zig-zag stairs make it a standout. Built in 1541, it remains one of Goa’s most popular attractions today.

• The Archaeological Museum: Elevated in 1964, the Archaeological Museum is one of the major museum venues of Old Goa, displaying historical paintings of the past leaders and government officials. This beautiful landmark is loaded with wooden sculptures, portrait paintings and tall pillars. You can also find precious objects on display such as postal stamps, coins, currency, metal figures and much more, belonging to the Portuguese era in Goa.  This museum stays open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  So, you can plan your trip accordingly. 

• Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception: Just 18 minutes away with a distance of 9.5 km from the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is one blissful landmark of Panaji. This iconic church is also covered by many Bollywood movies which are been filmed in Goa. The fine Baroque architecture jumbled with the impression of Portuguese and Goa culture. This excellent landmark is all coloured in white with the zig-zag stairs. The church was incorporated in 1541 and remains one of the popular landmarks of Goa till date.

Other Popular Church in Goa

After visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus, there are several other popular churches in Goa worth exploring. Some are famous for their ancient relics, while others are known for their pretty architecture. Whichever church you decide to visit, ensure you take full advantage of your time in this beautiful region!

Other Churches in Goa

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