Interiors of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus (literally, ‘Good (or Holy) Jesus’)in Old Goa is one of the oldest churches of India. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Goa may be known for its beaches and most tourists visit Goa just for beaches but this monument is definitely worth a visit. Built in 1594 and consecrated in May 1605, the monument is maintained well, though partially in ruins the remaining is still in good condition. It got the status of ‘minor basilica’ in 1946.
Interiors of Basilica of Bom Jesus Old Goa
It was one of the week days when I was there so didn’t find many tourists around. The guide took us around explaining its origin and many little stories associated with the church. After having a good look at the facade we proceed to explore the interiors. Below is a small virtual tour of the interiors of Basilica of Bom Jesus. As you enter to the right is an altar of St. Anthony, the work around it is very rich, the paintings around it are old and faded off.
To the left is this exceedingly well-carved wooden statue of St. Francis Xavier. The fine design on the pillars stunned me and to think it is more than 4 centuries old!
.
Here is the final resting place of St. Francis Xavier. He died on 3rd December 1552, on the Chinese island of Shangchuan, at the age of 46. His body was buried in three different countries. Each time the body was exhumed, it was found to be fresh. The sight of the holy body through the glass pane can be scary.
Lonely Planet mentions: The three-tiered structure is constructed of jasper and marble, flanked with stars, and adorned with bronze plaques that depict scenes from the saint’s life. The casket is designed by Italian Jesuit Marcelo Mastrili and constructed by local silversmiths in 1659, whose sides were originally encrusted with precious stones which, over the centuries, have been picked off.
The interiors are otherwise simple; even the ceiling looks quite bare. A projecting gallery, intended for the use of dignitaries on solemn occasions, runs along the two longer sides of the Church.
Hmm! Lovely photographs
Wow, that is beautiful. I love checking out places of worship when I travel. I would love to see this Basilica.
Iowa Voice
What a beautiful Basilica, Indrani!
Gorgeous details…
Greetings, Anna❀
Awesome captures and detail on the interiors! The church looks simple but seems quite worth visiting. Fabulous wood-carving and it sustained so well.
The carvings are indeed awesome! Thank you for visiting this church and posting your photos.
Stunning photos, Indrani!
That's a beautiful basilica – such a sense of history there.
Great shots of the exquisite architecture.
Wow!!! Great Pictures. Just amazingly beautiful.
Glad to see beautiful photos of church in India. Thanks for sharing and commenting on my entry.
attractive pics
The third picture looks truly stunning!
awesome photos and details.
Thanks for the photo tour of this beautiful church and for the fascinating information about St. Francis Xavier.
Amazing photos… I wish to visit this magical place one day..
Together we covered fantastic inside and out. What a major work of art.
Great place, great pictures!
just brilliant
I have visited this place but your post projected it so beautifully which I surely missed on my visit
Definitely remember visiting as a kid. Your pics just brought back so many memories!
I come from Goa and still evertime I see the church I am stunned and discover something new. You have captured the essence extremely well.
The Basilica has gorgeous architecture!
Had been there once, St. Francis Xavier still mystifies me. Great clicks!
Look at those interiors ! So damn beautiful !
What a beautiful church! The details are gorgeous. Lovely photos, thanks for sharing. Have a happy day!
NICE PICS..!
Thanks for virtual tour of this magnificent Basilica ! The pictures are mind blowing.
Awesome photos and post.
Lovely captures and well laid descriptions. Appalled to know the facts about St. Francis Xavier's corpse!
You take us to some wonderful places Indrani, this is magnificent.
Amazing building
ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
What a spectacular church!
oh this is spectacular, especially memorable for christians.
I have been there when I was a kid and remember the crowd as they had taken out the holy body for public view that year. Nice capture
What an awesome, fascinating place, Indrani, and the detail is incredible! Such interesting info about St. Francis Xavier!! Amazing! Superb captures as always!! Hope you have a great week!!
A beautiful basilica!
incredibly detailed!
How truly gorgeous!