With some incredible architecture, here are the top beautiful churches of India
India is a diverse country with several religions proclaiming the spirit of unity in diversity. From temples, mosques, gurudwaras, monasteries, the country is home to so many faiths. So let’s take a look at some of the most stunning churches in India:
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Built in 1605, this church in Panjim holds the relics of St Francis Xavier. It is not only on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage but is one of the seven wonders of Portuguese origin. With an ornamented entrance and a gilded altar, the Basilica of Bom Jesus also houses a modern art gallery with paintings of Biblical scenes.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry
Famous locally as Samba Kovil (or St Paul’s Church), the Immaculate Conception Cathedral was first built in 1692 but has been demolished three times since then. It was finally built for the fourth time in 1971. The iconic bell tower and choir loft were added later. With each remodel, the church is actually getting bigger and better.
Santhome Church, Tamil Nadu
Called St Thomas Cathedral Basilica, this Roman Catholic church was built by the Portuguese in 1523 AD. Located in the Santhome locality of Mylapore in Chennai, the structure of this church is erected above the tomb of St Thomas. The Santhome Church was later rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style by the British in the late 19th century. In fact, with its teak wood ceiling and glass windows, it is one of only three well known churches in the world that are built over a tomb.
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, Kerala
The minor basilica in Thrissur is built over 25,000 square feet of land in a Gothic style architecture. With double storied aisles, eleven altars and murals, the church has a grandeur that is unmatched. It was originally built in 1814.
Christ Church, Himachal Pradesh
Built in 1857 on The Ridge in Shimla, this church of neo-Gothic style is designed by Colonel JT Boileau. In fact, it is the second oldest church in North India.
Sumi Baptist Church, Nagaland
This Baptist church, which is located inZunheboto in Nagaland, is one of the largest on the continent. The compound can hold up to 8,500 people at any given time. It started with its construction in 2007 and it took 10 years to complete it. Named after the Sumi tribe, the church has a blue dome apart from housing a 500kg brass bell.
