The Beautiful Churches In India showcasing its rich heritage
India’s associations with Christianity goes back all the way to 52 A.D, when it was introduced to the people of India by St. Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. It was he who laid the foundations of Christianity by establishing one or two churches in Kerala. However, inspired by him and the teachings of the Bible, several others churches sprung up in other parts of the country with time. Let find out The Beautiful Churches In India showcasing its rich heritage below.
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The Beautiful Churches In India showcasing its rich heritage
Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala
Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the eight basilicas in India, is one of the most famous churches in India. The church was built after the erstwhile king of Cochin granted permission to the first Portuguese Viceroy, Dom Franciso de Almeida, to build the church in 1505. The basilica is grand in the use of colors and is a magnificent blend of Indo European and Gothic architecture. Its two bright lofty spires stand out against the sky.
The pastel colored interiors decorated with paintings of Italian painter Brother Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of Bangalore make you stare at them in amazement. The exquisite craftsmanship of the builders of this monument is also visible in the bright blue pillars at the entrance to the church. Another captivating sight is the imitation painting of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper by Moscheni.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a treasure house of art, architecture and history. Its exterior, which is un-plastered, may not appear so impressive, but don’t let that fool you. Its interiors tell a completely different story. Basilica of Bom Jesus has been built in the classic form of architecture common with Jesuits. The façade is a blend of five architectural styles: Roman, Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and Composite. Albeit the interior designs are sober, the floor is decorated with finest marble and inlaid with precious stones.
The Basilica also houses a modern art gallery, the largest of its kind in Asia with paintings depicting various scenes of the Bible. A striking sight is the Tomb of St. Francis Xavier which is essentially a silver casket consisting of silver panels depicting 32 scenes from the life of the saint. The relics of St. Francis Xavier has been associated with several tales, one of which states that the body shrinks every year.
Se Cathedral Church, Goa
Se Cathedral Church in Goa is an imposing sight to come across in Old Goa, and its grandness is also reflected in its interiors. This church, dedicated to St. Catherine, was built to commemorate the victory of Afonso Albuquerque. Its brilliant Iberian façade, high ceilings, exquisite Mosaic work and intricate wood and gilded carvings are essentially magnificence writ large.
The construction of this church took around a hundred years. Besides the main altar, which is dedicated to St. Alexandria, there are three more altars inside the church. The main altar depicts scenes from the life of St. Alexandria as well as her martyrdom. Some of the attractions inside the church are the bell tower, the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles, the 18th century organ and the statues and paintings along the walls and pillars.
Francis Church
St. Francis Church in Kerala should be visited for its fascinating history along with its incredible architecture. This place once contained the original remains of the renowned explorer, Vasco da Gama. Even though his remains were taken back 14 years later, the exact spot of his burial has been clearly marked.
Its architecture reflects a wonderful blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. A charming sight here is the gabled timer framed roof, while the interiors consist of two stepped pinnacles sitting atop the chancel roof. All the other attractions, from the pulpit made of wood to the confessional to the Baptist platform, exudes an old world charm. The imprints of history can be felt all over the place.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, also known as Samba Kovil, is located on Mission Street in Puducherry. This church has a striking similarity in its resemblance with a church in France that was built in 1791.
The paired Doric columns and ionic above make for an imposing façade while the interiors consist of eight barrel vaults and a central dome with its eight circular openings. It’s an impressive example of French architecture in India. A statue of Our Lady with the infant Jesus in her arms greets the visitors at the entrance.
