The body of St. Francis Xavier is displayed to the public only during a decennial exposition, the next of which is scheduled for late 2024 into early 2025.
The interior contains an oil painting of St. Francis Xavier by the 19th-century Italian artist Giuseppe Recco.
The building was constructed without plaster on the exterior, allowing the original volcanic basalt stone to remain exposed.
The mausoleum containing the saint's casket was a gift from Cosimo III de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
The church was the first in India to be raised to the status of a minor basilica in 1946.
The main altar features a large statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.
The structure survived multiple sieges and the abandonment of the city of Old Goa by the Portuguese in the 18th century due to plague.
The silver casket containing the remains is adorned with 32 plates depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis Xavier.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Old Goa, renowned for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket. Constructed in 1605, it is one of the earliest examples of Jesuit architecture in India. The church features a triangular facade decorated with the Jesuit emblem and is finished with black granite, unlike the typical whitewashed exteriors of other Goan churches. Its interior showcases a blend of Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite architectural elements, reflecting the transition between the Mannerist and Baroque styles. The floor is paved with marble inlaid with precious stones, and the altar is intricately gilded. It serves as a living museum of Portuguese colonial history and Catholic religious devotion in Asia. The site remains a functional place of worship and a pilgrimage destination for thousands of international visitors annually.
The central square facing the main facade for the best perspective of the architectural symmetry.
Visit the adjacent gallery of modern art to see local religious paintings.
Respect the designated quiet zones as this is an active religious site.
Hire an authorized local guide to explain the specific symbolic iconography on the side altars.
Avoid taking photographs of the interior during active prayer services; flash photography is strictly prohibited near the saint's tomb.
Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered; remove hats upon entering.
