Famous , Historical & Vintage Churches of India – A Treasure of Architectural Marvels
BASILICA OF BOM JESUS , OLD GOA
· It is believed that construction of Churches in India mainly began around 1500 AD with advent of European travellers on Indian coast in Southern peninsula. Subsequently the Portuguese, French & British constructed a number of beautiful churches spread across length and breadth of India. These churches may be big or small in size , have survived for centuries and still stand to tell about their glorious past.
· During our travel we got opportunity to explore some famous churches located from Himachal to Kanyakumari. These churches have enriched our culture and architecture. Glimpses of some of these vintage churches have been presented here pictorially to have a virtual tour to these interesting sites and to enjoy serene ambiance and peace right from your cozy home.
Brief about vintage Churches
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus , Old Goa
· A World Heritage site located in Old Goa.
· Constructed by the Portuguese in 1605 AD. It is finest example of ‘ Baroque Architecture’.
· As name indicates, it is dedicated to ‘Good’ or ‘Infant’ Jesus..
· Mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier ( who died in 1552) has been preserved here in a casket since 1637 for which it is famous worldwide.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
2. St. Paul’s Cathedral , Kolkata
St. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, KOLKATA
· This is deemed as the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican Cathedral in Asia. It is also the first new – built cathedral in the overseas territory of the British Empire.
· Built in year 1847. It is constructed in Indo – Gothic Architecture.
St. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, KOLKATA
3. Christ Church , Shimla
CHRIST CHURCH , SHIMLA
· Located on the famous Ridge in Shimla and is the landmark of the city.
· Built in year 1857, it represents Neo- Gothic style .
· Its stained glass windows are very attractive.
Christ Church , Shimla
4. St. John in the Wilderness Church , McLeodganj (H. P.)
St. John in wilderness Church , McLeodganj
· Situated in lush green deodar forest of McLeodganj.
· Built in year 1852 . Made of stone masonry.
· Its churchyard is the final resting place of Lord Elgin (1861 to 1863).
· Famous for its Belgian stained – glass windows donated by Lady Elgin , wife of Lord Elgin.
· Magnificent snow-clad Dhauladhar Range of the Himalaya can be seen from here.
St. John in wilderness Church , McLeodganj
5. St. John’s Church , Dalhousie (H.P.)
St. John Church , Dalhousie
· Built in year 1863, made of stone masonry.
· Although a small church, but its architecture is very beautiful.
· Stunning view of snow-clad Pir Panjal Range of the Himalaya can be seen from here.
* 'Dalhousie ' town is named after Lord Dalhousie who was the British Governor - General of India from 1848 to 1856.
St. John Church , Dalhousie
6. St. Paul Cathedral , Amritsar
St. Paul Cathedral , Amritsar
· Built in year 1852, located at Rialto chowk , in the heart of Holy city Amritsar.
· It is surrounded by beautiful garden.
· It looks stunning in lighting during Christmas.
St. Paul Cathederal , Amritsar
7. All Soul’s Church , Kanpur Cantonment
All Soul's Church , Kanpur Cantonment
· Also known as ‘Kanpur Memorial Church’ , located amid lush green area of Kanpur Cantonment. The picturesque church built in year 1875 in honour of the British who lost lives during the ‘Siege of Cawnpore ‘( now called Kanpur) in 1857.
· It is constructed in Lombardic Gothic style with bright red bricks and polychrome dressings.
All Soul's Church , Kanpur Cantonment
8. Saint Francis Church , Fort Kochi , Kerala
St. Francis Church , Fort Kochi
· Originally built in year 1503 by the Portuguese and believed to be the oldest church of India.
· Great sailor Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 (for 14 years) and later his remains shifted to Lisbon in 1538.
9. Legion of Mary Senatus , Puducherry
Legion of Mary Senatus , Puducherry
· Facade of this church is influenced by French architecture and is very beautiful.
· One can feel liveliness and peace by visiting this church.
10. Our Lady of Ransom Church , Kanyakumari
Our Lady of Ransom Church , Kanyakumari
· This beautiful church is located on the coastline just opposite to famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial , in Kanyakumari.
· In 1542 St. Francis Xavier visited Cape Comarin (now known as Kanyakumari) and founded ‘Our Lady of Delight Grotto’. It is believed that this church later became ‘Our Lady of Ransom Church’.
· The structure of present church is of 1900 AD.
· Sky –scraping towers are magnificent, stand sturdily in the bright Sun and transmit their gleaming white all-around to call devotees and visitors.
11. St. Stephen’s Church, Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
St. Stephen's Church, Ooty
Mother Mary with baby Jesus
· Founded on 23rd April, 1829 by Stephen Rumbold Lushington, Governor of Madras, was opened for divine service on 05th December, 1831.
· An architectural marvel, constructed in the Gothic style, one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiri hills.
· Impeccable stained-glass windows depicting Mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms, the crucifixion of Christ, the Last Supper and other famous events add grandeur to the church.
On the festival of Christmas , we wish “Merry Christmas” to one & all , have fun and enjoy the beauty of Churches , feel togetherness.
' Merry Christmas '
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