Bom Jesus Church, Goa - Walking Through History!

This Church is located in Old Goa, Panjim. It's quiet beautiful and well maintained with gardens surrounding from all sides.

A beautiful exterior

The church is called "Bom Jesus" meaning 'good Jesus' or 'infant Jesus' to whom it is dedicated. The facade has letters 'HIS' on it at the top - which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek.

The Basilica is considered to be the best example of baroque architecture in India, is a UNESCO world heritage site.

'IHS' - first three letters of Jesus in Greek

Timings

The main attraction o this church is undoubtedly - Body of St. Francis Xavier, which is over 400 years old and still in good condition!

The coffin of St Francis Xavier

A little history about St. Francis

• He Died while en route to China on December 2, 1552
• The Body was first taken to Portuguese Malacca and two years later brought back to Goa, India (after two years, body was as fresh as the day it was buried)
• His remains are displayed in a glass container encased in a silver casket in Basilica.
• St Francis's body is exposed for public display every 10 years.

  Next event will be held from 22-November-2014 to 4-January-2015

  Mark your calenders!

The body of St. Francis

Close up...

Some of the interiors of church...

It would be good to get a Guide to get more insights on the history of this Church. There is ample parking space and eateries outside.
You can also visit 'The Church of St Francis of Assisi' and 'Se Cathedral' nearby.

It's a good 1-2 hours visit...

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