OLD GOA
After remaining closed for almost eight months, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the most popular world heritage monument in Old Goa, was finally thrown open for tourists on Tuesday.
It was in March that all ASI monuments in the State, including the world famous Old Goa churches, were closed down on account of the coronavirus threat.
In September, all other monuments in Old Goa were thrown open for tourists, barring the churches of St Cajetan and the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
“Unlike other churches, thousands of people from all over visit the Basilica and it will be difficult to handle the situation in case of huge rush of people. So right now, we are working with the ASI in putting a system in place where there will be barricades starting from the entry to the exit point as people cannot be just allowed to roam around,” Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes had earlier informed The Goan, while citing reason for the delay in opening the monument for tourists.
When The Goan visited the Basilica, it was noticed that ASI guards were placed at the main entrance gate where the names of the tourists were noted down. Also, a hand sanitiser was placed for use before the tourists were allowed entry inside the Basilica complex.
Inside the Basilica complex, metal barricades were placed right from the main entrance gate to one of the side doors of the Basilica to ensure that the tourists do not stray around.
After completing the visit of the Basilica, the tourists have to exit through another side gate so that a rush at the main entrance gate is avoided.
Earlier, the main entrance gate was used as entry as well as exit point.
