About Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa

The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Built between 1594 and 1605, it holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier — the Jesuit missionary who reached India in 1542, evangelised across Goa, Malabar, the Coromandel Coast, Malacca, and Japan, and died in 1552 en route to China. His body, remarkably preserved (considered miraculously incorrupt by the Church), is displayed in a silver casket every 10 years for public veneration — the last exposition was in 2014–15 and drew over 8 million pilgrims. The Baroque façade and gold-leaf gilded altar are exceptional examples of Portuguese colonial religious architecture. Adjacent are the Sé Cathedral (the largest church in Asia) and the Church of St Cajetan.

St Francis Xavier was canonised in 1622. His body was brought back to Goa from Sancian island (off China) via Malacca in 1553-4 and has been enshrined at Bom Jesus since 1637. The basilica received Minor Basilica status from Pope Pius XI in 1946.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Local taxis and autos are available near the shrine area.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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