By UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Basilica of Bom Jesus, or Borea Jezuchi Bajilika is situated in Goa. The holy remainings of the patron of goa, Saint Francis Xavier who died in 1552 are kept here. The Embalmed body is kept in a silver airtight glass coffin designed by Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini. It stays as fresh as it was in the day he died. This wonderful phenomenon attracts devotees from around the world. The holy relics are exhibited once in a decade to tourists. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the oldest church built at the time of Portuguese rule in Goa. St. Francis Xavier’s feast is celebrated on 3rd December every year. Various pilgrims attend this feast. Nine days before the feast, or on the day of the feast a pilgrimage must be done. People from every religion visits the church during this period. The gilded altars are gorgeous with sculptures and carvings in wood, stone, gold, and granite. The floor is covered with marbles and other precious stones. Some pictures that display St. Francis Xavier’s life are there. Every year thousands of people visit the cathedral. The journey in Goa is incomplete without a visit to Basilica.
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