Basilica of Bom Jesus

Location

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, often called as Basilica of Good Jesus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in old Goa. Having baroque architecture, the church is India’s first minor basilica entitled to the name of infant Jesus.

A prominent religious landmark, the monument was constructed by extremist Portuguese rulers on the original site of a temple of Lord Shiva. Starting in 1594, the construction of the church was completed in May 1605. The church houses the body of St. Francis Xavier, who founded the Society of Jesus with his friend St. Ignatius Loyola.

Attracting thousands of tourists, the body is taken out for public viewing every ten years. The last public viewing was held in the year 2004. Apart from this, a shiny silver casket, paintings, art gallery and photographs also attract visitors.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/infanticida/6849913859/