Christmas Special : Top 20 Churches in India- A brief introduction

 


Top 20 Churches in India

India’s Christian heritage spans nearly two millennia, reflecting apostolic traditions, colonial influences, and indigenous expressions of faith. These churches stand out for their historical importance, architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and cultural legacy.

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus – Goa

Founded: 1605

Significance: Houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier

Style: Baroque

Legacy: UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Christian pilgrimage centres in Asia

2. Se Cathedral – Old Goa

Founded: 1562

Significance: One of the largest churches in Asia

Style: Portuguese-Gothic

Legacy: Symbol of Portuguese ecclesiastical power in India



3. Santhome Basilica – Chennai

Founded: 16th century

Significance: Built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle

Style: Neo-Gothic

Legacy: One of only three churches in the world built over an apostle’s tomb

4. Velankanni Basilica – Tamil Nadu

Founded: 16th century

Significance: Known as the “Lourdes of the East”

Style: Gothic

Legacy: Major Marian pilgrimage centre attracting millions annually


5. St. Paul’s Cathedral – Kolkata

Founded: 1847

Significance: First Episcopal church in Asia

Style: Indo-Gothic

Legacy: Prominent landmark of British-era Kolkata

6. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – Puducherry

Founded: 1908

Significance: Major Catholic shrine

Style: French Gothic

Legacy: Reflects strong French missionary influence

7. St. Mary’s Basilica – Bengaluru

Founded: 1642

Significance: One of the oldest churches in South India

Style: Gothic Revival

Legacy: Renowned for its annual Marian festival


8. Christ Church – Shimla

Founded: 1857

Significance: Second-oldest church in North India

Style: Neo-Gothic

Legacy: Iconic symbol of colonial Shimla

9. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – Panaji, Goa

Founded: 1541

Significance: Famous for its zigzag stairway and bell tower

Style: Baroque

Legacy: Central religious landmark of Panaji


10. St. Thomas Cathedral – Mumbai

Founded: 1718

Significance: First Anglican church in Mumbai

Style: Neo-Classical

Legacy: Key monument of colonial Bombay

11. Mount Mary Basilica – Bandra, Mumbai

Founded: 1640

Significance: Famous for the Bandra Fair

Style: Gothic

Legacy: Major interfaith pilgrimage destination

12. St. Francis Church – Kochi

Founded: 1503

Significance: Oldest European church in India

Style: Portuguese

Legacy: Vasco da Gama was originally buried here

13. St. Andrew’s Church – Chennai

Founded: 1821

Significance: Known as the “Kirk” of Madras

Style: Neo-Classical

Legacy: Represents Scottish Presbyterian heritage

14. Sacred Heart Cathedral – New Delhi

Founded: 1930

Significance: Seat of the Archbishop of Delhi

Style: Roman and Italian

Legacy: Prominent Catholic centre in North India

15. St. Philomena’s Cathedral – Mysuru

Founded: 1956

Significance: Among the tallest churches in Asia

Style: Neo-Gothic

Legacy: Inspired by Cologne Cathedral in Germany

16. Medak Cathedral – Telangana

Founded: 1924

Significance: One of the largest churches in Asia

Style: Gothic Revival

Legacy: Architectural and religious landmark of South India

17. St. John’s Church – Kolkata

Founded: 1787

Significance: Oldest Anglican cathedral in eastern India

Style: Neo-Classical

Legacy: Houses the tomb of Job Charnock

18. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours – Thrissur

Founded: 1814

Significance: Largest church in India by area

Style: Indo-Gothic

Legacy: Prominent centre of the Syro-Malabar Church



19. St. Mary’s Cathedral – Shillong, Meghalaya

Founded: 1936

Significance: Principal Catholic cathedral of Northeast India

Style: Gothic Revival

Legacy: Symbol of Christianity’s deep roots among the Khasi and Jaintia communities

20. St. George’s Cathedral – Chennai

Founded: 1815

Significance: Anglican cathedral of Madras

Style: Neo-Classical

Legacy: Important colonial-era religious institution

Conclusion

The churches of India collectively narrate a story of faith, cultural exchange, architectural brilliance, and social transformation. From ancient apostolic shrines to grand colonial cathedrals and vibrant indigenous centres like Shillong, these sacred spaces remain living symbols of India’s religious diversity and spiritual depth.


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