Most of the tourists visit Goa to celebrate the Goa carnival with the Goans but once the Goan carnival gets over, then the tourists are left with the option of exploring Goa, visiting Goan beaches and churches. The churches in Goa are famous for their architecture and intricate designs. Thanks to the Portugal regime for giving the Indian state of Goa this wonderful pieces of art. Most of the churches in Goa display a tiered frontispiece and are framed with columns and pilasters. They belong to the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The local population, with their artistically receptive minds, assimilated the symbols of Christian art.
GOA BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, built in 1605, is quite a popular pilgrimage point in Goa. The history of this Goan church is as interesting as the beautiful architecture that this church in Goa is proud of. Basilica of Bom Jesus has now been declared a World Heritage Monument. The sacred relics of St.Francis Xavier are kept in this church. St.Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552. As per his wishes, the following year, while transferring his remains to Goa, it was found that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. This miraculous phenomenon continues to attract the devout from all lands, and an Exposition or public viewing of his body every ten years attracts lakh of pilgrims.
ABOUT GOA SE CATHEDRAL
The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine. It was on her feast day, 25th November 1510, that Alphonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. The Cross of Miracles, placed in the cathedral, attracts lot of people. It seems the Goans had a vision of Christ on this cross and the rock on which it was found was said to spout water. Today, the cross is slowly growing. Earlier, it was at Se Cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public.
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