This church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the finest example of Baroque architecture. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa looks very impressive: it is 56 meters long, 18,5 meters high, and almost as much in width.
The construction of the Catholic church dates back to the period of the Portuguese conquest of Indian lands; it began in 1594 and was completed in 1605. In the mid-20th century, it was the first in India to receive basilica status. This highest status is conferred on churches by the Pope himself.
One of the most famous churches in the resort region houses the relics of Saint Francis Xavier, who is revered as the patron saint of Goa and the apostle of all India.
During his lifetime, Saint Francis was a preacher and missionary; they even say that he had the gift of healing. His relics, placed in a silver reliquary and a marble sarcophagus, have remained incorrupt for four centuries. True, nowadays they are not displayed for public viewing on ordinary days, only on special feast days.
