Description of the attraction
The Basilica of Jesus is located near the city of Panaji, the capital of the state of Goa. The church is one of the finest examples of Jesuit Baroque architecture in India. It contains the relics of St. Francis Xavier, who was considered a kind of patron saint of Goa. He came to Goa in 1542 and stayed there for only 4 months, but since then he returned to this Indian state several times. And although after his death he was buried in China, two years later his remains were reburied in Goa, according to his will.
The construction of the church began in 1594, and continued until 1605, when it was consecrated.
The front of the temple is a mixture of Ionic, Corinthian and Doric architectural traditions. There are three rows of windows on the walls, one above the other. Inside, as expected, is the main altar, the sacristy and the choir, supported by a row of columns. In the back there is a bell tower and two chapels. The chapel, which houses a silver sarcophagus with the remains of the saint, is decorated with elaborate wood carvings and paintings of Francis Xavier. And his tomb, the construction of which took a whole decade, is decorated with Florentine marble of various colors.
Now the Basilica of Jesus has the status of a cultural heritage of UNESCO and a masterpiece of world architecture, as well as a place of pilgrimage for both Christians and representatives of other religions. Especially interest in the temple is growing at a time when the imperishable relics of St. Francis Xavier are exhibited for worship, which happens every 10 years. The last time this event took place was in 2004. It is believed that the remains of the saint have healing powers.
