Bom Jesus Basilica Church

About Bom Jesus Basilica Church

About Bom Jesus Basilica Church

Visiting Time:

Best time of the day to visit is on a Sunday 10.30 am to 6.30 pm and on Weekdays 9.00 am to 6.30 pm

Interesting Things to See and Find in Bom Jesus Basilica Church:

You can see World Heritage Monument and Baroque styled religious structure.

Best time to visit Bom Jesus Basilica Church

November to February offers pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Weekday mornings are the quietest. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier on December 3 is a major event — very crowded but culturally significant. Avoid visiting during Sunday Mass (10:15 AM) unless you are attending the service.

How to reach Bom Jesus Basilica Church

The Basilica is in Old Goa, about 10 km from Panaji (20-minute drive). The nearest railway station is Karmali, about 5 km away. Buses run from Panaji to Old Goa throughout the day. Taxis and rented scooters are convenient options.

Timings & opening hours

Open Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Mass timings: Monday–Saturday 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 6:00 PM (Konkani); Sunday 8:00 AM, 9:15 AM, and 6:00 PM (Konkani), with an English Mass at 10:15 AM on Sundays.

Entry fee & tickets

Free. No entry fee. Donations are welcomed for maintenance.

Duration needed

1 to 1.5 hours is typical for visiting the church and the adjoining art gallery.

Safety tips

Dress modestly — shoulders and knees must be covered. No flash photography inside the basilica. Photography may be restricted during Mass. Maintain silence inside the church. Do not touch the altar or the silver casket containing the remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Things to carry

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees (carry a scarf or shawl if needed), water, comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

Travel tips & suggestions

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Christian pilgrimage centres in Asia. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are housed here and displayed to the public once every ten years (next exposition: 2034). The Baroque architecture and gilded altars are remarkable. The art gallery on the upper floor features works by Goan artists. Combine with the other Old Goa monuments for a half-day heritage walk.

Nearby visiting places

Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Archaeological Museum of Goa, and the Church of St. Cajetan are all within walking distance in the Old Goa complex.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Karmali Railway Station (~5 km) is the nearest rail connection. Panaji bus stand (~10 km) has frequent buses to Old Goa. Goa International Airport (Dabolim) is about 28 km away.

Food & restaurants nearby

Old Goa has a few small eateries and snack stalls near the church complex. For a proper meal, Panaji (about 10 km away) offers a wide range of restaurants, from Goan cuisine to multi-cuisine dining.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Panaji (about 10 km from Old Goa) has the widest range of accommodation, from heritage guesthouses in Fontainhas to modern hotels. Beach areas (Calangute, Candolim) are about 20–25 km away.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide coverage across Goa. In beach areas and towns, 4G is generally reliable. Coverage may be weaker in remote interior locations or along certain coastal stretches. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Location info

Old Goa, about 10 km from Panaji.

History of Bom Jesus Basilica Church

The Basilica of Bom Jesus was built between 1594 and 1605 and consecrated on 15 May 1605. It houses the incorruptible body of St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552), co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The basilica was raised to a Minor Basilica in 1946 — the first in India — and is one of the “Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World.” The body of St. Francis Xavier is enshrined in a silver casket inside an Italian marble mausoleum designed by Giovanni Battista Foggini in 1697. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier on 3 December draws thousands of pilgrims.

Things to do at Bom Jesus Basilica Church

View the incorruptible relics of St. Francis Xavier in the silver casket, admire the golden altarpiece (1699) and the Baroque facade (the only unplastered church in Old Goa), see the marble mosaic flooring inlaid with precious stones, visit the modern art gallery on the second floor, and attend Mass (English at 10:15 AM on Sundays).

Things to visit & highlights

The silver casket containing St. Francis Xavier’s relics, the golden altarpiece, the Italian marble mausoleum donated by Cosimo III de’ Medici, and the distinctive unplastered red laterite exterior.

Climate & weather

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November–February) is the peak tourist season: temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C with low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas — ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer (March–May) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C; beaches are less crowded but midday heat can be intense. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and high humidity; many beach shacks close, but the landscape is lush and green, and it is the quietest time for those seeking solitude.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police (Old Goa): +91-832-2285116. Ambulance: 108.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located on the Panaji–Old Goa road, about 3–5 km from the basilica.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next exposition of St. Francis Xavier’s relics? The decennial exposition was held from 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. The next is expected in 2034–2035.

Is the Basilica of Bom Jesus a UNESCO site? Yes — it is part of the “Churches and Convents of Goa” UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Can you see St. Francis Xavier’s body? Yes — the incorrupt body is enshrined in a silver casket on the main floor (not in a crypt).

Accessibility

Most churches in Goa have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic churches listed as UNESCO sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance. Most churches welcome assistance animals.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

The white Baroque facades photograph best in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the sun is at an angle. Interiors are often dimly lit — a fast lens or higher ISO helps. Altars and stained-glass windows are the key subjects. Many churches illuminate their facades at night — evening shots of lit-up white churches against dark skies are stunning. Use a wide-angle lens for interiors, and always check the photography policy (flash is usually prohibited).

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.