Top 10 Astonishing Churches in India

India recalls her past through glorious edifices sprawled throughout the nation and through the cultures that have been influenced in a bemusing number of ways by these ancient empires. A church is a place of worship for fans of the Christianity faith. Top beautifully embellished churches beautify every city and town in India. It has long been used as an area to spread the message of Jesus Christ across the world. The faith has left an indelible mark on the cultures, traditions and architecture of India.

Here are some of the Top 10 Churches In India:

Se Cathedral Chruch,Goa

Se Cathedral is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. She is also the patroness of Christian philosophers except being the patroness of the City of Old Goa, aka Velha Goa or Goa Velha. This church was built so as to reveal the victory of the Portuguese under a Muslim army, which led to the capture of the city of Goa. 

In Church art, St. Catherine of Alexandria is depicted wearing a crown, denoting her royal Birth, holding a book, and steering a spiked wheel. The construction of the church started in 1562 and was completed in 1619. Built on a raised laterite plinth and covered in lime plaster, this cathedral measures 250 feet in length, and 181 feet in breadth whilst its frontispiece stands 115 toes high. 

The interior is laid out in a traditional cruciform shape, even though the exterior appears rectangular. The interior architecture is Corinthian. The fundamental altar is devoted to St Catherine of Alexandria. The spotlight of the church is its “Golden Bell”, which is stated to be one of the fine bells within side the world. 

On the main Altar, there are a few old paintings that are devoted to Catherine of Alexandria. On the right, there’s a chapel, which is likewise called the Cross of Miracles. This Cathedral in Goa is best worth a go to in its own right, but it’s also convenient to several other visitor spots. No wonder it is one of the the top astonishing churches in India.

Velankanni Church,Nagapattinam

Velankanni Church is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India. It might be one of the most visited churches in India. Velankanni town is located at the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is well-known for its Basilica which is dedicated to the ‘Lady of Health’ and is referred to as 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 stated that when worshipers provide candles to the Mother, their illness is cured. This Christian shrine is a great image of multicultural and international and religious harmony. 

Annually, 20 million pilgrims flock to the shrine from all over India and abroad, out of which an estimated 3 million people go to the shrine during its annual festival from 29 August to 8 September. Moreover it is one of the top astonishing churches in India. 

St Francis Church,Kerala

St Francis Church is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India. It was constructed in 1661 by the Portuguese. The church, manufactured from wood and mud, located in the center of the fort that was constructed by the Portuguese with the permission of the erstwhile Cochin Raja, and it was devoted to St Bartholomew. It is the region where Vasco da Gama took his final breath in the year 1524.

 It is also one of the oldest churches in India. The interior of the church provides an incredible view with stepped pinnacles crowning the top of the chancel roof and with the apparent arched opening that divides the chancel from the nave. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama brought Christianity to India, Africa, and Europe. 

It was his third visit to this sacred place, and his body was covered here itself. It is stated that his remains were sent to Lisbon after 14 years, however, the tombstone is still right here.

 Voyagers from diverse parts of the world come here to see the tombstone of Vasco da Gama. The British and Dutch made the structural alteration to appear like the present-day appearance. The church is placed in the primary of Fort Kochi which makes it easily accessible from every corner of Kochi city. That’s why it is known as one of the top astonishing churches in India. 

Medak Cathedral,Telangana

It is the biggest churches in Telangana state. Medak Cathedral is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India turned into set up on 25th December 1925 and renovated by British Wesleyan Methodists. Medak Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop in Medak for the Church of South India.

 The cathedral is 100 feet wide and 200 feet long and conforms to the Gothic Revival style. It can accommodate up to 5,000 people at one time, placing it on the list of the biggest churches in India. The mosaic tiles had been brought from Britain and are made from six different colors. Italian masons from Bombay had been hired for laying the decorative floor. 

Massive pillars built with finely hewn and well-dressed grey stones help the gallery and the entire building. The main attraction of the Cathedral is its stained glass windows depicting various scenes from Christ’s life. These include the Ascension behind the altar, the Nativity on the west side, and the Crucifixion on its east side. Overall it is as one of the top astonishing churches in India. 

Basilica of Bom Jesus,Goa

Basilica of bom jesusis is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India. It is a Roman Catholic Church located in Old Goa and stands to be the oldest Church of Goa. The development of Bom Jesus Church started in 1594 and the congregation became blessed in 1605. It is known for having the oldest bell tower in Asia.

The façade of the Church constitutes a main altar flanked by more altars. The surroundings are frolicked with paintings and carvings directly from the Bible, and it also has a gallery that inhabits oil paintings belonging to the years 1973 and 1976. The cathedral of the Church holds the remains of St. Xavier in a silver casket that is elegantly decorated and, worshiped by his devotees.

The best time to go to the Basilica of Bom Jesus is from September to March. The glory and grandeur of the church are best expressed in post-monsoon when the rain showers have cleaned the surroundings and left the exterior of the church in a vividly unique pattern. Moreover it is one of the best astonishing churches in India.

St Paul Cathedral,West Bengal

St paul cathedral is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India. This church is very beautiful and impressive. It is famous for its Gothic architecture. It turned into built in 1847, and it is the first Episcopal Church located in Asia. Besides, being a religious site, the cathedral is also an architectural marvel. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral is 247 feet in length, 81 feet in width, and 114 toes on the transept. The church has been built in the Gothic Revival style, featuring slim vertical piers and vaulting and pointed arches. The interior of the church truly gives a visual splendor with outstanding floral designs on the walls. 

The life and work of St. Paul are vividly depicted in pictures. The stained glass windows are breathtakingly amazing. The artwork and frescoes inside make the place even more beautiful. This church is also a scientific marvel and gives heavenly sights when the solar lighting ups the curved glass windows.

 One could also find a library above the western porch with a modest series of Bishop Wilson’s collection and a marble bust of the Bishop. It is a must-go-to-place and a sacred house for prayer. This church was built to replace St. John’s Church. The whole church premise is embellished wonderfully during Christmas and honestly offers a visible treat. No wonder it is one of the top astonishing churches in India.

Santa Cruz Basilica,kerala

Santa cruz basilica is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India. This fort is located inner Fort Kochi in Kerala. It is one of the 8 basilicas built in the country. In the early sixteenth century, Francisco de Almeida built this church and it was promoted to the basilica in the 20th century.

 This basilica is a place of devotion as well as a center for historic significance, endowed with gothic-style architectural and artistic magnificence. The outside is white-washed and incredibly bright and the interior is pastel-colored. The indoors of the church have a Gothic style of architecture with massive arches and an awe-inspiring altar. 

Fra Antonio Moscheni, a famous Italian painter, painted the interiors of this church. The frescoes and murals of this shape are world-famous. No wonder it is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India.

Reis Mogos Church,Goa

The Reis Magos Church also known as the Church of the Three Magi Kings is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India. It was built in 1555 in the metropolis of Reis Magos. This church was built by the Franciscan friars who watched over the missionary work here. This Church is one of the oldest churches in Goa. 

Located in a small village Reis Magos in Northern Goa, this church lies on the banks of River Mandovi. This Church is painted white from the outside and the internal walls are bright and amazing designs. 

The spotlight of its gorgeous interiors is the multi-colored wood comfort that indicates the Three Wise Men giving gifts to baby Jesus. The intricately painted cover at the back of the altar adds to the outstanding lavishness of the church interiors.The altar is at a great top making the prayer hall exquisite. 

The church is well-known for its annual feast which is held on the 6th of January and is devoted to the Three Wise Men of the Christmas story namely Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. This festival is called the Fiesta de Los Tres Reyes Magos. Over the years it has been recognized as one of the top astonishing churches in India. 

San Thome Basilica,Tamil Nadu

A Roman Catholic basilica built in Santhome, Chennai, San Thome Basilica is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India. It was built in the 16th century over the tomb of St. Thomas who was an apostle of Jesus. 

Renovated by the British in 1893, the church is designed in the Neo-Gothic style, a much favored architectural fashion of the British architects in the 19th century. A superb sight, the white facade of the cathedral stands 201 feet tall and still keeps the stays of St. Thomas.

 The interior of the basilica is beautifully adorned with paintings and frescoes. Now a national shrine, the church also boasts a museum. Moreover it is as one of the top astonishing churches in India.

Christ Church,Shimla

Christ Church, is one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India. It is located in the center of the town of Shimla is assumed to be the second oldest church in North India. With its excellent architectural marvel and rich historical significance, the church stays one of the most important legacies of Colonial India. 

 The design of the church building was designed by Col. J.T.Boileu, a renowned architect of that time. Built in the Neo-Gothic style in 1857, the church contains 5 fine stained glass windows and each window represents special Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility.

 The pipe organ in the church is the biggest in the Indian subcontinent and became installed in September 1899. Being an important part of Shimla Town, the Ridge is flocked with locals in addition to tourists. No wonder it is known as one of the top 10 astonishing churches in India.

Conclusion:

 As for the conclusion these are some of the top astonishing churches in India. These churches are built are around thousands of years ago. Still these churches are breathtakingly beautiful. Millions of tourist visit these churches from across the globe and spend their time in spirituality.