9 Most Famous Churches in Kolkata

Once the capital of India, Kolkata is the heart of cultural diversity. It is a few hundred years old. The Kolkata Church was built during the British period. The British established a link to the erstwhile Indian capital with other European cultures such as Greek, Dutch and Armenian. Some churches you may not know about. Are you looking forward to seeing the churches in Kolkata? Here is a list of top 9 Kolkata churches that you must visit. These are the top 9 churches you must visit in Kolkata.

Most amazing churches in Kolkata city

1. St. Paul's Cathedral Church, Kolkata:

It is also known as "Cathedral Church Kolkata" and is located in the center of the city. St. Paul's Cathedral is 247 feet tall. It has a width of 81 feet and a transept of 114 feet. It became the largest church in Kolkata. The flagpole is 175 feet above the ground. St. Paul's Cathedral took eight years to build and was consecrated on October 8, 1847 by Bishop Wilson. St. Paul's Cathedral Church Many monuments can be found in Kolkata.

Highlights:

Church Days: Open all days

Mass Timings: Weekdays, 6:30 am to 7:00 pm Sundays, 7:30 am to 8:30 am 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.

Location: Cathedral Road, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

How to reach there: You can easily reach this place by bus, metro or taxi

Celebrations: Christmas is full of joy at St Paul's Cathedral. The church's interior is decked out for Christmas and provides a stunning sight.

Additional points of interest close to the church: the Victoria Memorial faces the cathedral. The Birla Planetarium (and the Racquet Club) are two additional notable locations in the area.

2. Kolkata's St. John's Church:

It is a significant historical site and the third-oldest church in Kolkata. In 1815, it was converted from a parish church in Bengal to Calcutta's main cathedral. This designation lasted until the consecration of St. Paul's Cathedral in 1847. It is home to a wealth of historical monuments and ancient memorabilia about Kolkata's past. The main movers of the church were Reverend William Johnson (Chaplain of 1770) and Warren Hastings. Lady Canning's tomb was discovered in St. John's Church. This church is one of the most famous in Kolkata.

Highlights:

Church Days: All Church Days are open

Mass Timings: Every Sunday, 8.00 a.m - 9.00 a.m.

Location: 2/2 Council House Street, Dewar's Garage Lal Digi B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 70000

How to reach: The place is about 4 km from the center of Kolkata. Easily accessible by taxi or bus from the local government.

Celebrations: Remembrance Sunday and National Day of Prayer are celebrated

Other attractions near the church: Raj Bhavan, the nearest famous attraction, is also nearby.

3. Park Circus, Church of Christ the King:

Christ the King is the next best church in Kolkata. Also known as Park Street Church. Park Circus is one of the most beautiful churches in Kolkata. Kolkata's largest church holds hundreds of people in its magnificent setting. The exterior of the church is stunning, but the interior is just as impressive.

Highlights:

Church Days: Open all days

Mass Timings: Sunday: 6.30 am., 8.15 am., 9.15 am., 10.45 am., 5.00 pm., 6.30 pm. Weekdays: 6.15 pm to 6.30 pm.

Location: 5, Syed Ameer Ali Ave, Park Circus, Park Street Area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017

How to reach there: Bus Station- Park Circus Tram Depot is near the Church

Celebrations: This is where you will find the biggest Christmas celebrations. They celebrate Christmas mass at midnight and every day.

Other attractions near the church: Quest Mall, Howrah Bridge

4. St. James Church, Kolkata:

St. James Church, elegantly located on A.J.C Bose Road, is one of the most recognizable churches in Kolkata. The twin gopurams are a prominent feature of Kolkata's skyline. St James's Church was built in 1862 to replace the Nebutolla Lane Church of the same name. The church was dedicated on November 12, 1829 by Bishop Reginald Heber. Followed the Gothic style of architecture with Norman detailing. It is a famous church in Kolkata.

Highlights:

Church Days: Open all days

Mass Timings: Sun: 7:05am to 8:00am; 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. All days except Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Location: 167, A. J. C. Bose Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700072

How to reach: It is located on A.J.C Bose Road and is easily accessible by all local modes of transport.

Celebrations: Christmas is celebrated with great joy here

Other attractions near the church include: Mother House, Sri Aurobindo Bhavan and South Park Street Cemetery.

5. St. Thomas Church, Kolkata:

St. Thomas Church is a Roman Catholic Church in Kolkata. It is a colonial structure with a Gothic tower. The church is located in Middleton Row Street Park. Mother Teresa's body was kept here for a week before her funeral in 1997. This church is famous for its beautiful altar windows.

Highlights:

Church Days: Open all days

Mass Timings: Sunday 8:30 a.m-10:00 a.m.

Location: 7, Sir William Jones Sarani, Park Street Area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

How to reach there: You can easily reach this place by bus, train or taxi

Celebrations: This is a Catholic church that offers a wonderful Christmas feel, especially with carols

Other attractions near the church: Sabah Museum, Indian Museum.

6. Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth, Armenian Street:

It was built in 1724 and is the oldest church in Kolkata. This attraction attracts many visitors. The Armenian church has undergone many design changes, resulting in numerous additions and extensions. You can see the oldest tombstone dated June 11, 1630 in the cemetery around the church. The interior of the church is in good condition. You can climb the stairs to see the old paintings.

Highlights:

Church Days: Open all days

Mass Timings: Sunday at 7 am

Location: 2, Armenian St, Bortola, Barabazar Market, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001

How to reach there: Take local transport to reach there.

Celebrations: Grand Christmas celebrations take place here

Other attractions near the church: Millennium Park and Eden Gardens, Howrah Bridge.

7. St. Andrew's Church, Kolkata:

The first Scottish church in Kolkata, St. Andrew's Church, is a must-see. Kolkata can see only this one Scottish church. One of the most noticeable structures in the city is the church, with its magnificent steeple. The church welcomed guests for the first time in 1818. In Kolkata, it is one of the most popular churches to visit.

Standouts:

Church Days: Every day open

Sunday Mass times are 9.30 a.m. On other days, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit.

Location: 700001, Kolkata, 15 B.B.D. Bagh North

How to get there: B.B.D. is the location. Bagh is conveniently located for all types of transportation.

Festivities: The feast of St. Andrews is observed annually at the end of November.

The Sundarbans Tour and St. John's Church are two more nearby attractions.

8. Kolkata's Assembly of God Church:

Highlights:

Church Days: Open all days

Mass Timings: Sunday Mass: 8.30 am to 9.30 am 11.30 am to 6 pm.

Location: 125, Park St, Mullick Bazar, Park Street Area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017

How to reach: It can be reached by all public transport modes

Church holds celebrations: Grand Christmas Day Celebration

Other attractions near the church are: Victoria Memorial and Seventh Day Adventist Church.

9. Holy Rosary Cathedral, Bara Bazar:

Commonly known as the Portuguese Church, this imposing cathedral was established in 1797 by Portuguese traders, after settling in Kolkata. The cathedral has two domed towers and an ornate pediment flanked on each side by an arched entry portico. Beautiful carvings can be seen throughout the interior, including the 14 Stations of the Cross. Behind the altar, there are figures of the Madonna and Child. Below the altar, you will find the remains of the first Archbishop of Calcutta. This church is one of the oldest churches in Kolkata.

Highlights:

Church Days: All Church Days are open

Mass Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:15 am., 8:10 pm.; 5:10 p.m. Sat: 7.15 a.m., 8:10 p.m. and 12:10 a.m. Sun: 8:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 8:10 a.m., 12:10:10 p.m. Sun: 8:15 a.m. Sun: 8:15 a.m.

Location: 13,15, Brabourne Road, Pageya Patti Street, Portuguese Church Street, Bara Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007

How to reach there: There are frequent bus services to take you to this place.

Celebrations: Every year, the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is celebrated on 7th October

Other attractions near the church: Maghen David Synagogue, Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth

Kolkata's churches are a treasure trove of cultural and historical value. Every visitor is impressed by the beautiful architecture and interesting history of these structures. If you are looking for Kolkata tour packages, make sure to include a visit to one of these churches in the package. If you have been to any other churches in Kolkata, please comment below.

Frequently asked questions and answers

  Q1. What is the cheapest way to travel around Kolkata?

A: Kolkata's public transport system is very efficient, so this issue is not a problem. There are many public buses that ply throughout the city. They are air conditioned both public and private. The city has metro. There are also taxis and auto-rickshaw shuttles (tuktuks) on some routes throughout the day. A journey costs as little as 5-20 rupees.

Q2. What is the name of a famous church in Kolkata that organizes social drives for the underprivileged?

A: Regular social programs for the needy are organized by the Mar Thoma Church in Kolkata. These include blood donation camps and other social drives.

Q3. When is the best time to visit Kolkata?

A: Fall and winter between October and February are the best times to visit Kolkata. There are many festivals and the weather is great. Durga Puja is the peak season for tourists. Kolkata enjoys an eastern tropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Summer is not the most favorable season for travelers. Monsoon, though beautiful, is not the best season to visit.