Francis Xavier Tourism

Francis Xavier's remains are housed in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in South Goa, India, an exemplary example of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica is situated in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa during the Portuguese rule and is now a historical site with many churches, cathedrals, and museums. The basilica, completed in 1605, holds the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, a respected Jesuit missionary who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in parts of Asia. His missionary works earned him the title of Patron Saint of Goa. The saint's body is displayed in a glass-sided coffin raised on a marble platform. Every ten years, the exposition of the body draws thousands of visitors from all over. The interior of the Basilica features intricate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from the life of St. Francis Xavier and other religious iconography. The site provides a spiritual experience and a look into the rich history of Goan Catholic traditions and the Portuguese era in India.