5 Must Visit Church In South India

The history of Christianity and Churches date back to 52 AD in India. It is believed that St.Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus visited the country and thus introduced a new faith in South India. St. Thomas himself established a church or two in Kerala but he inspired many to construct these Christian places of worship across the country. Colonization was a significant era of building churches as the Dutch, Portuguese, French and British people brought with them new styles of architecture, which resulted in delivering India with exquisite churches that are a must see in India. This blog offers a list of some of the best churches in India that you should miss out on if you are an architecture aficionado.

* Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus is amongst the most famous churches in India. The church is around 300 years old and holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is one of the finest examples of Portuguese influence as the edifice is done in signature Baroque style. The flooring has been done in marble, inlaid with precious stones, the altar is elaborate with gilded gold work, the murals and the artistic rendition are also worth the appreciation. The church has been declared as the world heritage site and also boasts of a museum.

* Se Cathedral Church, Goa

Reckoned as one of the largest churches in India, Se Cathedral is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. This church was built in order to revel the victory of Portuguese under a Muslim army, which led to the capture of the city of Goa. Since this triumph coincidentally happened on the feast of St. Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her. The construction of the chutrch began in 1562 and was completed in 1619. The church measures 250m in height and 181 in breadth. The highlight of the church is its “Golden Bell”, which is said to be one of the best bells in the world .

* Velankanni Church, Nagapattinam

Velankanni Church is probably one of the most visited churches in India.Velankanni town is located on the coast of Bay of Bengal and is famous for its Basilica which is dedicated to ‘Lady of Health’and is called Our Lady of Good Health or Our Lady of Velankanni. It has been proved for centuries that Velankanni is known as the “Lourdes of the East” and it is said that when worshipers offer candles to the Mother, their illness is cured. This Christian shrine is a great symbol of multiculture and international and religious harmony

* Medak Cathedral, Telangana

Medak Cathedral is one of the stunning churches buildings in India. Done in Gothic Revival style, the cathedral is 200ft (61m) long and 100ft (30m) wide. It is said that mosaic tiles used in the construction of the church were imported from Britain and are of six different colours. Not only this, Italian masons were called for laying the decorative flooring. The massive pillars built with fine-hewn and well dressed grey stone are not only the support of the building but also the highlight of it. Another highlight of the church is its 175ft (53m) high bell-tower.

* Santhome Church, Chennai

Santhome Church is a historically and architecturally a very important church in India. Located in the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the church sports a classic Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It is also the plave where the remains of St. Thomas are said to have been kept . The church boasts arched windows, white washed spires, wooden roofs and domes that are worth being captured in the lens. There is also a museum in the premises of the church that has put remnants from the older church built here.