Facade of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa attracts huge number of pilgrims from all over the world when the body of St. Francis Xavier is brought out for public viewing every 10 years. In this year of 2014 the body will be again displayed to public.

Before touring the interiors I paused to have a look at the facade of  Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. Somehow the facades of cathedrals charm me as much as the interiors. The facade is a combination of different elements of architecture the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian design. I don’t understand too much of these designs, but I remember the guide making a mention of this and I was admiring his knowledge about all this. The central rectangular pediment has Jesuit emblem – IHS – abbreviation of Latin Jesus Hominium Salvator (Jesus, Saviour of Men).

I was intrigued by the term Bom Jesus. The guide explained – Bom Jesus means good Jesus or infant Jesus and the church is dedicated to him.

Facade Basilica Bom Jesus Goa UNESCO site

Another unique factor of this church if you noticed is the unplastered state of its facade. It was not so less than a century back. The lime plaster that adorned the facade was ripped off by a zealous Portuguese conservationist in 1950. Apparently his notion was that exposed to the elements, the laterite stone of which the basilica is built would become more durable and thus the building would be strengthened. Despite proof to the contrary, no one has got around to putting the plaster back yet; hence, some of the intricate carving is eroding with the dousing of each successive monsoon.

Facade Basilica Bom Jesus Goa

Facade Basilica Bom Jesus Goa

Bom Jesus Basilica is in the list of Chueches and Conebts of Goa and has the status of UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.

Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil, Chettinad
Interiors of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa

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