Aguada Anchorage is located at the foot of the Aguada hill, the classiest seaside location in North Goa just a 5 minute casual stroll to the Sinquerim beach. Spread over 8 acres of richly landscaped gardens it comprises of 50 villas, which include two Presidential villas, seamlessly blending into the environment.

Thursday 27 October 2011

The Basilica of Bom Jesus


The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO world heritage site located in old Goa, which was the capital of Goa during the Portuguese rule.  The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Bom Jesus' (literally, 'Good (or Holy) Jesus') is the name used for the infant Jesus. The Jesuit church is India’s first minor basilica, and is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India. The Basilica was constructed in May 1605 and is one of the most important churches in Goa.  

Francis Xavier, born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta (7 April 1506 – 3 December 1552) was a pioneering Roman Catholic missionary born in the then independent Kingdom of Navarre. He was a student of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and led an extensive mission into Asia. St. Francis died on 2nd December, 1552 on the island of Sancian while enroute to china. He was first buried on this island, was then moved to Malacca 1553. As per the saints wishes the body was then moved, the following year to Goa, India. The body on arrival to Goa was fresh as ever and was considered a miracle by the people. The body was then put in an air tight coffin made of glass and placed inside a silver casket.

The mausoleum was designed by the 17th-century Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini. It took ten years to complete. The holy relics of the saint are displayed every ten years during the anniversary of the saint's death. His liturgical feast is the third of December.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the richest churches located in Goa. The interiors of the church are as beautiful and extravagant as the exteriors. The floor of the church is made of pure white marble, decorated with semi-precious stones. The altar of the church is adorned elaborately and covered with gold. It measures around 54 feet high and is 30 feet broad. The walls are decorated with old paintings of the saint. A trip to Basilica of Bom Jesus is a must when you visit Goa.