The colonial culture of India has led to the construction of many churches in different parts of the country because it has been ruled by the British, French, Dutch, and Portuguese for a long time. If you think all churches look the same, then it’s time you start exploring the several famous and historic churches in India. They have been around for centuries, and some still look beautiful today.
Check out these 10 famous churches in India
Let’s explore some beautiful and popular churches in India: –
- Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
- Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
- Francis Church, Kerala
- Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu – ‘Largest or Biggest Church in India’
- Christ Church, Shimla
- San Thome Basilica, Chennai
- Mount Mary Church, Mumbai
- Thomas Church, Kerala
- Basilica of Our Lady of Dolour’s, Thrissur
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the popular tourist spots situated in Old Goa and was built in 1605 AD. The Basilica holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, one of the founders of the Jesuits.
The catholic basilica is both a pilgrimage center and an iconic monument of all the churches and convents. It has baroque-style architecture and Portuguese Colonial architecture. A large crowd gathers at the church when the preserved body of Saint Francis Xavier is put on display.
Timings: 9 AM – 6.30 PM
2. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
St. Paul Cathedral Church was noted for its Indo-Gothic style architecture constructed in 1847, dedicated to Paul the Apostle, a Christian apostle. Cathedral is known to be the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia.
The church has beautiful arched windows and the frescoes inside the church which are noteworthy. The best time to visit the church is on Christmas eve which is celebrated each year with people of all religions.
Timings: 10 AM- 6 PM
3. Francis Church, Kerala
The Church of Saint Francis is one of the oldest European Churches established in India in 1503. It has the European style of architecture which was constructed by the Portuguese. The church has its cultural and historical significance as it signifies the colonial war of European dominance in the country.
The explorer, Vasco da Gama took his last breath at this church in the year 1524 during his third visit to India. Travelers from all across the world come to see the tombstone of Gama, the explorer.
Timings: 8 AM- 6 PM
4. Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu – ‘Largest or Biggest Church in India’
Velankanni Church, also known as the Basilica of our lady of Good Health or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Velankanni, is one of the country’s biggest shrines located on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal, in Velankanni town in Tamil Nadu, India. The shrine has built with Gothic-style architecture in the 16th century. The church is also tagged as the ‘Lourdes of East’ and is believed when the devotees offer candles to the mother, their illness is cured.
The shrine is one of those few churches in the country where the mother is dressed in an Indian saree. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful Catholic churches in Southern India.
Timings: 5 AM- 9 PM
5. Christ Church, Shimla
The Christ Church is located in the natural beauty of the hill station, Shimla which looks stunning during the winter season. On Christmas eve, you can experience the freezing snowfall giving an enchanting view. The sacred church is the second oldest church in North India built in the Neo-Gothic architectural style in 1857.
The church has 5 glass windows that represent the virtues of Christianity that is faith, hope, humility, patience, and charity.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
6. San Thome Basilica, Chennai
San Thome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica is a Roman Catholic Basilica built in the 16th century over the tomb of St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus.
Located in the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the church was built in the style of Neo-Gothic architecture in the late 19th century, having 16 windows and 34 stained glasses with a main stained glass representing “Saint Thomas Touching the wound of Jesus Christ”. There’s also a museum inside the church which is also a key attraction.
Timings: 6 AM- 9 PM
7. Mount Mary Church, Mumbai
Also known as The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount Mary, the church is located in the Bandra neighborhood of Bombay. The basilica has Gothic Revival architecture which is almost 100 years old. The festival of the nativity of St Mary which is the occasion of the Virgin Mary’s birthday is celebrated on 8th September as a week-long celebration. Thousands of tourists, pilgrims, and devotees attend the annual feast also known as the ‘Bandra fair’.
The church is visited by people of all religions and beliefs for the sake of peace and tranquillity. Devotees offer flowers, candles, and other worshipping offerings at the church.
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM, 3 – 8 PM
8. Thomas Church, Kerala
The St. Thomas Church is the oldest Christian church located at Palayoor in the Thrissur district in Kerala, India. The church is believed to be one among the seven churches established by St. Thomasin 52 A.D. St. Thomas spread the teaching of Christianity in South India. The two-day annual festival known as the Palayur Church festival is held each year with vibrant pageants, orchestra, and fireworks. The church is situated on the hilltop offering a great experience to pray.
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport which is about 79 Kms.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
9. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolour’s, Thrissur
Basilica of Our Lady of dolour, also known as the Puthen Pally is the tallest church in India and the third tallest church in Asia. This is the most famous Marian pilgrimage in the Thrissur district of Kerala.
The church has been built in Gothic style architecture. The lively interiors of the basilica are finely decorated with fine specimens of murals, saints’ images, musical church bells, and scriptures scenes. The two front church towers stand at a height of 146 ft and 260 ft respectively.
The spiritual basilica puts your mind and soul at peace.
Timings: –8 AM – 7 PM
10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is a white sparkling church with Portuguese-Baroque and Goan-style architecture built in 1541 located in Panaji, Goa. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions situated on the hilltop with its flight of stairs that zigzag to the top giving a great big wedding cake-like structure.
People denote the church as the ‘Crown of Panaji’ which is extremely beautiful. The basilica has the Augustinian Bell located in the belfry, which is the key attraction and also the second-largest bell in Goa. A one-day feast is celebrated every year with pomp and a show in the month of December which is the must-see.
Timings: – 9 AM – 12.30 PM, 3 PM- 5.30 PM
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