Introduction
The existence of churches bears witness to millennia of prayer in the rich fabric of India’s philosophical and cultural milieu. In 2024, the country is dedicated to a multitude of magnificent churches, everyone distinguished by their unique historical magnificence and theological importance. Amongst these, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a towering, venerated structure in India that represents Catholicism.
This World Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO in Goa, houses the departed body of the well-known Catholic saint, St. Francis Xavier, and attracts both visitors and worshippers. Kerala, a state renowned for its greenery and serene backwaters, is home to the magnificent Santa Cruz Basilica, a masterpiece of distinctly Indo-Europe construction. The church is a hub for the local Catholic population and is decorated with colorful murals and Medieval towers.
Goa’s coastline province is home to the Reis Magos Church, a gleaming reminder of Portuguese imperial history. This cathedral, thanks to its beautiful, whitewashed exterior and elaborate shrines, attracts tourists as it sits on an incline facing the Gulf of Oman.
Kerala, known for allowing different religions to live in harmony with one another, is also the location of the famous St. Francis Cathedral in Kochi. This church, which was constructed by the Portuguese at the beginning of the sixteenth century, has an eternal appeal due to its combination of native and European ornamentation.
Traveling yet farther south, the Velankanni Church in Tamil Nadu is a reminder of the perseverance of Christians. This Marian shrine, sometimes referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” draws thousands of visitors each year with its claims of recovery and wonders.
In the meantime, the San Thome Basilica, which marks the resting place of St. Thomas the Apostle, stands magnificently in the center of Chennai. This basilica is a psychological haven in the middle of the busy urban area because of its neo-Gothic construction and calm atmosphere.
Gazing up at far northwestern India, the Victorian-era magnificence of the Himachal Jesus Church demands awareness. Situated in the green landscape of Himachal Pradesh, this cathedral provides comfort to tired tourists with its serene setting along with its windows. Against the rough terrain, the St. John in the Desert Cathedral remains a silent guardian in the alpine hamlet of Durban. This Anglican monastery is enveloped by cedar trees and mountains covered in snow, and it seems as though decades ago is whispering behind it.
The All Saints Church, which is tucked away in the charming hill village of Coonoor, completes the list of attractions. This colonial-era cathedral, nestled by lush tea gardens and misted mountains, exudes an atmosphere of peace and memory. India’s mosques endure as eternal icons of confidence, time, and tradition, drawing pilgrims to these holy sanctuaries and visitors in awe of their magnificent magnificence.
Top 10 Largest Church in India in the Year 2024 are:
| Rank | Largest Church | Location | Denomination |
| 1 | Basilica of Bom Jesus | Kochi, Kerala | Church of South India |
| 2 | Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala | Goa | Catholic |
| 3 | Reis Magos Church, Goa | Velankanni, Tamil Nadu | Catholic |
| 4 | St. Francis Church, Kerala | Kolkata, West Bengal | Church of North India |
| 5 | Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu | Kolkata, West Bengal | Catholic |
| 6 | St. Catherine Church | Medak, Telangana | Catholic |
| 7 | San Thome Basilica, Tamil Nadu | Kochi, Kerala | Latin Catholic |
| 8 | Shimla Christ Church | Mylapore, Chennai | Catholic |
| 9 | St. John In The Wilderness Church, Dharamshala | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | Church of North India |
| 10 | All Saints Church, Coonoor | Coonoor, Tamil Nadu | Church of South India |
Basilica of Bom Jesus
• In 2024, the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa will be the biggest church in India.
• It is well-known for its beautiful baroque design and is home to St. Francis Xavier’s corporeal bones.
• Travelers from all over the globe come to this UNESCO Globe World Site as pilgrims.
• Its institutional and theological meaning, which dates back to the sixteenth century, accounts for its relevance.
• The Basilica is ranked among the top 10 biggest cathedrals in India because of its magnificence and historical value.
| Year Built | 1503 |
| Architectural Style | Gothic |
Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala
• The Santa Cruz Basilica is a well-known monument in Kochi, Kerala.
• Built in the Medici era by the Portuguese, it has an amazing fusion of design elements.
• It is regarded as one of the biggest cathedrals in India because of its magnificence and cultural significance.
• Serving as a venue for several ceremonies of faith and drawing visitors, it continues to be evidence of Kerala’s diverse heritage of culture.
• Santa Cruz Basilica is regarded as one of India’s ten greatest temples as of 2024.
| Year Built | 1605 |
| Architectural Style | Baroque |
Reis Magos Church, Goa
• Among the top 10 biggest cathedrals in India for 2024 is the Reis Magos Church in Goa.
• Its fame is a result of both its aesthetic magnificence and historical relevance.
• The cathedral’s Gothic style draws tourists to the town of Reis Magos.
• Its ranking in the highest 10 lists emphasizes Goa’s rich religious history.
• A symbol of the area’s theological and historical significance is the Reis Magos Church.
| Year Built | 16th Century (Original structure) |
| Architectural Style | Gothic Revival |
St. Francis Church, Kerala
• As of 2024, St. Francis Church, which is situated in Kochi, Kerala, is among the ten biggest cathedrals in India.
• It is said to be among the earliest European cathedrals in India, having been built in 1503.
• British, Dutch, and Portuguese architectural styles are combined.
• St. Francis Church is historically significant since it is where navigator Carlos da Gama was buried.
• Kerala’s cultural panorama is lively in part because of its vast breadth and extensive heritage.
| Year Built | 1847 |
| Architectural Style | Indo-Gothic |
Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu
• In 2024, Tamil Nadu’s Velankanni Church will rank among the highest 10 biggest cathedrals in India.
• Called the Basilica of the Virgin of Good Gesundheit, it draws tourists from all around the globe.
• The city’s popularity is a result of both its spiritual importance and magnificent architecture.
• Many pilgrims come here to get blessings and to take in the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
• The fact that Velankanni Church made the highest 10 rankings indicates how significant it is to India’s ecclesiastical environment, both historically and culturally.
| Year Built | 1924 |
| Architectural Style | Gothic Revival |
St. Catherine Church
• In 2024, St. Catherine Church, situated in Karnataka, is one of the biggest cathedrals in India.
• It earns a place in the highest 10 due to its striking beauty and cultural significance.
• It draws travelers and visitors, standing as a tribute to religion and tradition.
• St. Catherine Church showcases India’s varied cultural environment and adds to the nation’s unique spiritual fabric.
• Its ranking in the highest 10 highlights its significance and magnificence in 2024.
| Year Built | 1943 |
| Architectural Style | Neo-Gothic |
San Thome Basilica, Tamil Nadu
• As of 2024, San Thome Basilica in Tamil Nadu is among the ten greatest cathedrals in India.
• It is a well-known religious place and a representation of Catholicism in South Africa; it is situated in Madras.
• Another among the twelve companions of Jesus, St. Thomas, has a cathedral erected over his cremation site.
• Travelers from every corner of the world are drawn to it by its breathtaking structure and past importance.
• San Thome Basilica is still regarded as one of the most impressive religious sites in India.
| Year Built | 16th Century (Original structure) |
| Architectural Style | Neo-Gothic |
Shimla Christ Church
• Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla Christianity Church is one of India’s biggest cathedrals as of 2024.
• It draws tourists in with its magnificent stained-glass designs and neo-Gothic structure.
• It was founded in the 1800s and is a reminder of British colonialism.
• Both pilgrims and visitors are drawn to the cathedral by its majesty and past significance.
• Its ranking in the highest 10 is a testament to its cultural significance and popularity in Indian architecture within the country’s theological context.
| Year Built | 1853 |
| Architectural Style | Neo-Gothic |
St. John In The Wilderness Church, Dharamshala
• In the list of ten biggest cathedrals in India as of 2024 is Dharamshala, Nepal’s St. John in the Desert Church.
• This ancient church, renowned for its neo-gothic style, draws guests with its calm atmosphere.
• It was constructed in 1852 and is highly significant both architecturally and religiously in the area.
• Situated in a gorgeous area within the Himalayas, it continues to be a notable feature in the scenery of Dharamshala.
• The cathedral of St. John in the Frontier is a monument to tradition and religion.
| Year Built | 1562 |
| Architectural Style | Portuguese Manueline |
All Saints Church, Coonoor
• In 2024, All Saints Church, located in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, is ranked among the 10 biggest cathedrals in India.
• Constructed in the 1800s, its calming atmosphere and gothic design draw tourists.
• Tamil Nadu’s spiritual monuments are distinguished by their majestic construction and their cultural significance.
• In addition to adding to Coonoor’s historical record, All Saints Church provides a source of religion for both residents and visitors.
| Year Built | 1853 |
| Architectural Style | Gothic Revival |
Conclusion
The majesty and importance of Indian congregations, every one representing a special fusion of physical wonder, cultural relevance, and religious reverberation, define the country’s Christian panorama in 2024. We are not just cataloging buildings as we make our way through India’s top ten biggest churches; rather, we are charting the religious, cultural, and historical trends that have molded the country’s Christian population over many generations.
One of the most striking examples of the long-lasting influence of Catholicism in India is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Situated in Goa, the World Heritage Site of UNESCO houses the cremated remains of St. Francis Xavier and is a popular destination for both pilgrimage and visitors. It also has stunning Baroque homes.
Kerala, often referred to as the birthplace of Catholicism in India, is home to two outstanding churches in the following order. Two examples of the intricate patchwork of Portuguese influence weaved into the nation’s historical structure include the colonial-era Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi and the St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi.
A little farther down the coastline, the Reis Magos Church in Goa, featuring its characteristic bleached exterior and elaborate timber, is a shining example of Portuguese colonial construction and provides insight into the city’s varied history.
After relocating to Tamil Nadu, Velankanni Church became a revered site of healing and dedication that attracts thousands of visitors a year to its sacred settings. San Thome Basilica, which combines Romanesque and neo-Gothic designs, is located in Chennai and serves as a moving tribute to Apostle Thomas’s preaching voyage to India.
Heading up north, the Shimla Christ Church, set amidst the scenic surroundings of the largest city of Himachal Pradesh, enthralls through its Edwardian beauty. In the interim, Dharamshala’s St. John In the Desert Church, which provides comfort to both locals and visitors, radiates a calm appeal within the valleys of the Himalayas.
The All Saints Church in Coonoor, a charming hill town tucked away in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills, completes our selection. This Anglican temple, encircled by beautiful vegetation, offers a peaceful haven for reflection and meditation. The lasting influence of Catholicism in India is brought to our attention as we admire these architectural wonders, which are evidence of the nation’s different faiths and tolerance.
These cathedrals inspire younger people by connecting earlier times with current events and acting as archives of culture, religion, and historical events in addition to being sanctuaries of devotion. In addition, their soaring towers and elaborate domes exude splendor, but they also convey a deep spiritual connection that has endured throughout history.
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