Jesus Basilica is located near the city of Panaji, the capital city of Goa. The church represents one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture of Jesuit architecture in India. It houses the relics of St Francis Xavier, who was considered a kind of patron saint of Goa. who was considered a kind of patron saint of Goa. He came to Goa in 1542 and stayed there for four months. for just four months, but he's returned to the Indian state several times since then. И although after his death he was buried in China, two years later, his remains remains were reburied in Goa, according to his will.
The construction of the church was started in 1594, and continued till 1605, when it was consecrated.
The frontal part of the church is a mixture of Ionic, Corinthian and Doric architectural traditions. There are three rows of windows on each wall, one above the other. Inside, as it is supposed to be, there is a main altar, sacristy and choir supported by a series of columns. At the back is a bell tower and two chapels. The chapel, in which stands the silver sarcophagus with the saint's remains, is decorated with skilful wooden carvings and paintings of Francis. Xavier. And his tomb, which took a decade to build, is decorated with various Florentine marble. with Florentine marble of various colours.
Nowadays, the Basilica of Jesus has the status of UNESCO cultural heritage and a masterpiece of world architecture. of world architecture, as well as a place of pilgrimage for Christians and other religions. Christians and representatives of other religions. Interest in the church increases especially at the time, when the incorrupt relics of St Francis Xavier are displayed for veneration, which happens every ten years. The last time this event took place was in 2004. It is believed that the saint's remains have healing powers.
