Basilica of Bom Jesus

Except for its gilded altars, the structure of the Basilica of Bom Jesus has a simple construction and is a fine example of Baroque architecture. The facade of the building is built out of black granite and is a subtle mix of Doric, Corinthian and composite styles. The church stands tall at the height of 61 feet, and the pillars are carved from basalt. The Mosaico-Corinthian style inspired the interior of the church and the main entrance has two smaller ones adjacent to it. In its image, the altar has two chapels beside it with a belfry at the back. The altar of St. Anthony lies towards the right while the left side has an exceptional wooden statue of St. Francis Xavier. The northern wall has a cenotaph dedicated to Dom Jeronimo Mascarenhas, the Captain of Cochin, while the southern wall a carved wooden pulpit with a canopy on top. The pulpit has the figures of Jesus engraved on its three sides, the four evangelists and four doctors of the church. The bottom of the pulpit depicts seven figures.

Two decorated altars again flank the main altar out of which one is dedicated to Our Lady of Hope and the other to St. Michael. The main altar has a statue of St. Ignatius Loyola overlooking a figure of baby Jesus, and above a medallion with the letters "HIS" inscribed can be seen. Above the medallion, the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are depicted as well. The southern side has another chapel which has twisted columns which are made out of gold and wood. The relics of St. Francis Xavier are kept safely here, with a beautiful silver statue in front of the cenotaph. Paintings and carvings here depict the life of the Saint as well. A beautiful silver statue is kept in front of the casket. The silver casket, which serves as a reliquary containing the sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier, is exquisitely carved and was once studded with precious stones. The casket is divided on each side into seven panels, each of which has two plates representing in relief important incidents in the life of the saint.

• Air: Goa's international airport - Dabolim Airport welcomes many national and international flights. The church is 24.1 kilometers from the airport. A taxi can be hired from the airport to reach the church.

• Rail: The easiest way to reach Goa is via Madgaon Railway Station, from where the distance to the church is 35.1 kilometers. Taxis and buses are easily available outside the station.

• Road: If one is travelling from Mumbai or Pune, one can reach the church by covering a distance of approximately 500 kilometers.