Kolkata: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Basilica of the Holy Rosary (Bandel Church)
Chennai: San Thome Basilica, St. Mary’s Church, Fort St. George
Mumbai: Mount Mary Basilica, Afghan Church (St. John the Evangelist)
Delhi: Cathedral Church of the Redemption, Sacred Heart Cathedral
Bangalore: St. Mary’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Cathedral
Goa: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral
Kerala: Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica (Kochi), St. George’s Forane Church (Edappally), Parumala Church
Nagaland: Kohima Cathedral
Meghalaya: The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Shillong
Manipur: Imphal Cathedral
Kerala: St. Alphonsa’s Church (Bharananganam), Malayattoor Church
Tamil Nadu: Velankanni Church (Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health)
Mizoram: Solomon’s Temple (Aizawl)
Andhra Pradesh: Medak Cathedral
West Bengal: St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Darjeeling)
Goa: Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Panaji)
Madhya Pradesh: All Saints Cathedral (Bhopal)
Himachal Pradesh: Christ Church (Shimla)
Uttarakhand: St. Joseph’s Church (Nainital)
Introduction to Christian Churches, Cathedrals, and Basilicas of India
India, a land of diverse religious traditions, is home to some of the most magnificent Christian churches, cathedrals, and basilicas, each bearing testimony to the country’s deep-rooted Christian heritage. Christianity arrived in India in the first century AD with St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who is believed to have preached in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Over the centuries, European colonial powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British further shaped India’s Christian architectural landscape, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of churches that blend European styles with indigenous influences.
From the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, which houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, India’s churches stand as both places of worship and historical monuments. The San Thome Basilica in Chennai, built over the tomb of St. Thomas, and the Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi, with its stunning Baroque interiors, are remarkable examples of India’s Christian heritage. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pondicherry, the Medak Cathedral in Telangana, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi are equally awe-inspiring, drawing devotees and tourists alike.
Cathedrals and basilicas in India are not just religious centers but also architectural marvels that showcase Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, and Indo-Saracenic styles. Their grand facades, intricate stained-glass windows, and beautifully adorned altars make them spiritual sanctuaries of peace and devotion. Many of these sites have also been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are prominent pilgrimage destinations.
This rich tapestry of Christian architecture across India offers a glimpse into the country’s syncretic culture, where faith, history, and artistry come together in divine harmony. Whether you’re a believer or a traveler drawn to historical wonders, exploring India’s churches, cathedrals, and basilicas is an enriching experience that unveils a lesser-known yet fascinating side of India’s spiritual and architectural legacy.