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.
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
Bom Jesus Basilica is in the list of Chueches and Conebts of Goa and has the status of UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
Now! waiting to spend some time here
WOW ! beautiful architechture…. Nice capture Indrani…. too good…:)
Nice.
i clicked some interior pics too.. will publish them soon
Had been there great place to be !
Grand structure. So much history.
Our heritage our treasure… Hope government too realises the value.. Nice pictures and post Indrani.
Lovely capture and thanks for the plaster story. I was not aware of it.
The authority should take proper care to maintain such grandeur…Nice photos Indrani… 🙂
I loved my visit there too 🙂
Nice pics, Indrani 🙂
Grand and regal monument !
A grand old church, I hope it doesn't deteriorate too much
Interesting architecture!
Stunning picture.Misconceptions often lead to disaster. I hope the facade still lasts for many years to come.
Interesting perspective and notion on its façade and building! Excellent shots
A beautiful church, lovely shots! Have a happy weekend!
Beautiful and imposing.
St Francis Xavier was once buried at St Paul's church in Malacca before transferred to GOA.
Amazing architecture!
Grand old basilica captured wonderfully!
What a beautiful facade!
I share the same sentiment as TexWisGirl. Also wish I could go visit someday.
World Treasure
ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
As much as we would like to preserve everything exactly the way it was built… Its only natural for everything to slowly erode!
i hope it lasts for years to come, still.