Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most popular churches in Goa, which is located in Old Goa, about 10 kms from the Capital City, Panaji. The Church of Basilica of Bom Jesus deserves to be given the status of a World Heritage Site. The name of the Church, Bom Jesus basically means “Good Jesus” and is used for Jesus when he was an infant. The Bom Jesus church was constructed around 1695 and it became an important milestone in the historical legacy of Christianity.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis Xavier was the member of the Society of Jesus who preached the enlightening teachings of Christianity when he came to India along with the Portuguese. His body is preserved in an air tight coffin made of glass and placed inside a silver casket. Every year thousands of devotees visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus on 2nd December to see the mortal remains of the saint that is displayed publicly. Now the practice has been stopped and is opened to public once in every 10 years to prevent the body from deterioration.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the richest churches located in Goa. The interiors of the church are as beautiful and extravagant as the exteriors. The floor of the church is made of pure white marble, decorated with semi-precious stones. The alter of the church is adorned elaborately and covered with gold. It measures around 54 feet high and is 30 feet broad. The church’s interior is charming yet simple and is built in the Mosaic-Corinthian style. A trip to Basilica of Bom Jesus is a must when you visit Goa.
Reis Magos Church The Reis Magos church in Goa is one of the most famous landmarks of the Reis Magos Village located in Goa. This famous church is visible from across the River Mandovi as a white monument that is so beautiful to look at. The church is located on the road that passes the famous Candolim and Calangute beaches.
The Reis Magos church is famous for its annual feast that is held on 6th of January and is dedicated to the Three Wise Men. This church was built in around 1555. The church is dedicated to St. Jerome. The Reis Magos Fort is another attraction here that was built before the church was built.
The church is decorated beautifully inside and is quiet colorful. The wooden supports are multicolored and show depictions of the Three Wise Men going with gifts to see Baby Jesus Christ. A procession to mark the journey of the Three kings begins from the church and goes around the village spreading cheer and happiness.
The Se Cathedral is located in old Goa, and is around 9 kilometers from the capital city Panaji. The Se Cathedral of Goa is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. This magnificent edifice was built in the 16th century under the Portuguese rule in India. After the construction, the Se Cathedral of Goa was declared to be the largest church in Asia.
The architecture of Se Cathedral is stunningly elaborate. The architectural style is an amalgamation of Gothic elements and typical Portuguese style. The exterior of the church is constructed in the Tuscan style while the interiors have been constructed in the Corinthian style. The length of the church is 250 feet and the breadth is 181 feet. The entrance of the church is ornately decorated and measures around 115 feet in height.
The church of Se Cathedral is very famous for its giant bell known as the "Golden Bell". The bell is known for its melody and rich tone and is the largest bell in Goa and one of the best in the world. The walls of the church are decorated with lovely paintings that are quite old. On the right side of the main altar, there is a chapel of Cross of Miracles. It is said that here a vision of Jesus Christ had appeared in the year 1919. They say since then, the cross hung over there has been growing in size slowly. There is a golden screen just behind the main altar in the church that looks splendid. The Se Cathedral is a must visit while touring Goa.
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