India has 26 heritage sites out of which seven
heritage monuments are in Goa. They are mostly located around Old Goa. The World Heritage Monuments located in Goa
are Basilica Of Bom Jesus, the Se Cathedral which is the largest church in Asia, Church of St Francis of Assisi , Church of Saint Cajetan, Church of St Catherine,
Church of Our Lady of Rosary and St Augustine Complex.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa, India located about 10 Km from Panaji, the
capital of Goa is more than 400 years old. It holds the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, regarded by many Catholics as the patron saint of Goa. Once every decade,
the body is taken down for veneration and for public viewing which is called the “Exposition”. The last such event was conducted in 2004 and the next event is scheduled in 2014.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is constructed out of blocks of red tinted laterite stone which are available locally. Similar stones are also seen in
old houses constructed even 50 years back. The Basilica faces west and has a three storeyed facade.
The basilica has three entrances, a main entrance as well as a smaller entrance on each side.
The Basilica dedicated to "Bom Jesus" meaning "Infant Jesus". In this church like in several other churches in Goa, there is a main altar and side altars
where prayers are offered.
The sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier, are kept in a silver casket in this Basilica.
Through the centuries, the body of the great saint has not decomposed. Catholics from all over the world come
to worship and offer prayers at this Basilica specially at the time of the Exposition.
The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine and is the largest church in Asia. The cathedral has five bells out of which one is the famous Golden bell, the largest church bell in Goa and one of the largest in the world. This church is an example of the art and architectecture of the european renaissance period. It has a beautiful altar where the crucification is depicted. This cathedral was fully complete in 1652 the construction taking almost a hundred years.
The Church of St Francis of Assisi is connected TO the Se Cathedral through the former palace of the Archbishop. It is constructed of red laterite blocks and plastered with lime. The Church facts west and has three chapels on either side. A richly carved wooden pulpit is to the left as one enters. The main altar is gilded and has a richly carved niche with a tabernacle supported by the four evangelists. Two large statues of St. Francis of Assisi and Jesus on the Cross are places above the tabernacle on the main altarof the Church.
This Church was built in the Seventeenth century and is modelled on the design of St. Peter's Church in Rome.