9 Pondicherry Cathedrals You Must Visit in 2022
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Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is one of the seven Union Territories of India, commonly known as Pondy. Given the beauty and grandeur of the architecture, the Commonwealth Territory is famous for its church in Pondicherry. There are many famous Pondicherry churches that attract local, national and international tourists throughout the year. As such, this former French colony perfectly blends traditional Indian sensibilities with French architecture, making it a fantastic escape.
The streets of Pondicherry’s French Quarter, also known as White Town, are dotted with charming colonial mustard-yellow buildings and walls covered in bougainvillea. The history of Pondicherry shows that before and even years after India’s independence, it was a town fully immersed in the classic French town lifestyle. Read more about the most popular and best churches in Pondicherry, and lots of other useful information.
9 of the most stunning and famous churches in Pondicherry:
Given the few churches in Pondicherry, we’re here to list your top nine must-sees.
1. Pondicherry Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception:
Right next to the Archbishop’s House you will see this stunning building. It was built in 1791 and is considered the main mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Kudalore. Surprisingly, this famous Pondicherry Church is the fourth church built on the site and has been renovated many times before. The majestic façade is displayed below the Doric columns and above the Ionic columns. In front of the church is a statue of the Virgin with the baby Jesus in her arms. It is one of the oldest churches in Pondicherry.
emphasize:
- Church Day: Open all day
- Mass timing: Monday to Saturday: 5:15am, 6:15am, 5:30pm; Sunday: 5:00am, 6:30am, 8:00am, 5:15pm and 6:15pm
- Place: 204, Mission St, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001.
- how can I get there: Buses are available from the nearest railway station, Villupuram; taxis and rickshaws are available from Chennai International Airport.
- Celebrations: The festival of this church, the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, falls on December 8th.
- Other attractions near the church: Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry Park, Bharati Park, Mahatma Gandhi Statue and Fabindia.
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2. Church of the Assumption of Our Lady of Nellitop:
The French built the Church of the Assumption in 1841. It was originally built in 1752 with the foundation laid by Mrs Dupleix. During the storm, the old church was destroyed and a brand new one was built. The Church believes in bringing together more and more people and is committed to providing a range of religious services. The church houses a collection of statues surrounded by French architectural motifs. It tops the list of Pondicherry churches.
emphasize:
- church day: Open all day
- Mass timing: Monday to Friday – 6am, Saturday – 6am, 5.30pm, Sunday – 5am, 7am, 5.30pm
- Place: The Parish Priest Assumption Church Street, Nellithope, Puducherry, 605005.
- how can I get there: Since it is located near the main bus station, it offers frequent commuting options.
- Celebrations: Parish Festival – August 15th. Every year, Novena to the Virgin Mary – from August 6th to August 14th.
- Other attractions near the church: Promenade, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
3. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, South Avenue:
It is also known as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Pondicherry. Built by French missionaries in 1908, this church is one of 21 cathedrals in India. This is a famous pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics and is considered one of the best churches in Pondicherry. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a 100-year-old building that represents Gothic architecture. Inside the church are 28 glass paintings depicting the lives of Christ and the saints of the church. There is also a large area outside the church.
emphasize:
- church day: Open all day
- Mass timing: Monday to Saturday – 5.30 am, 12.00 pm and 6.00 pm, Sunday – 5.30 am, 7.30 am, 5.15 pm and 6.15 pm
- Place: Door No, 132, South Boulevard, Near Railway Station, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001.
- how can I get there: The train station is a 2-minute walk away.
- Celebrations: Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Mass during December 31st.
- Other attractions near the church: Bal Bhavan Aquarium, Rocky Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Botanical Gardens.
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4. Ariyankuppam Church of Our Lady of Health:
If you see pictures of Pondicherry Church then this seems to be the most beautiful church in Pondicherry. After the arrival of the French in Pondicherry in 1673, in 1690 the Armenians under the leadership of Bishop Ida Simon built a church called the Immaculate Conception in Ariankupam. Around 1700, the church was given to the Carnatic missionaries, the Jesuits. Under its new name “Our Lady of Health”, the church has become a centre of pilgrimage, which has been popular among Pondicherry for the past 270 years. The main highlight of the shrine is the altar inside the church.
emphasize:
- Church Day: Open all days of the week.
- time: Mass Timing – Weekdays – 6am; Thursday – 5.30pm, Saturday – 6am and 5.30pm; Sunday – 7.30am
- Place: Madha Koil Street, Ariyankuppam, Pondicherry, 605007.
- how can I get there: There are frequent buses
- Celebrations: The holiday is celebrated in the name of Mary’s birthday on September 8. The celebration starts on August 29 and ends on September 8. There are great celebrations for Christmas, Easter and New Years.
- Other attractions near the church: New Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pillayarkuppam Grand Beach.
5. Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Villanur:
The first church outside of France to be named after Our Lady of Lourdes is a well-known sanctuary of the Virgin Mary, located in the city of Pondicherry, in Villanur. The site is home to the 6-foot-tall stone statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, which has existed since 1877. Every year on the first Saturday of August, thousands of followers take part in the most anticipated event, the pouring of holy water from the French church of Lourdes into the sacred pond in front of the chapel. It is believed that the water of the pond can bring wealth and heal the suffering.
emphasize:
- Church Day: The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes is open every week.
- Mass timing: Weekdays – 6am; Saturdays – 6am, 11.30am, 6pm; Sundays – 6am, 7.30am, 5.30pm
- Place: Church Street, Villianur, Pondicherry 605110, India
- how can I get there: Buses and trains from Vilianur railway station
- Celebrations: The annual feast of the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes begins 9 days in Novena and the flag is raised on the 6th day after Easter. The feast is held on the 15th day after Easter.
- Other attractions near the church: Ali Kamedu.
6. Church of Our Lady of the Angels, Whitetown:
Napoleon III built the church of Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges / Our Lady of Angels – this church in Whitetown in 1855. The church was designed in Greco-Roman architectural style and is today the fourth oldest church in Pondicherry. On each side of the main church, the church has two columns. In a bygone era, there were two clocks on the columns that struck every two hours and played the Ave Maria. In modern times, they are considered dysfunctional. The church and the surrounding area are in a picturesque location facing the Bay of Bengal. This is also a famous church in Pondicherry.
emphasize:
- Church Day: Open all day a week
- time: Monday, Wednesday – 6.15 am, Tuesday, Friday – 6.30 pm, Thursday – 6.15 am, Saturday – 5 pm, Sunday – 6 am, 7.30 am, 8.30 am, 5.30 pm
- Place: Dumas St, Whitetown, Pondicherry, 605001
- how can I get there: This place is easily accessible by road by car or bus.
- Celebrations: The last Sunday in August is the annual feast of the church.
- Other attractions near the church: Sacred Heart Cathedral, Botanical Gardens, Rocky Beach, Paradise Beach.
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7. CSI St John’s Church, Pondicherry:
St John’s CSI Church is a small and simple church in the town of Pondicherry. The beautiful Anglican Church, built in the 18th century, is one of the most famous churches for the faithful. The church is a 200-year-old Anglican property with a rich history. Even now, it can accommodate 300 people at any time. It’s beautiful arches and domes, and an ornate altar adds to its appeal. This church is remarkable for its rich history and French and colonial cultures.
emphasize:
- Church Day: Open all days of the week
- Mass timing: Monday to Friday – 6.30 am, Saturday 9.00 am, 4.30 pm, Sunday – 8 am, 7 pm
- Place: 16, Victor Simonel St, Whitetown, Puducherry, 605001
- how can I get there: St. John’s Church is easily accessible by car or bus.
- Celebrations: This church hosts a special Christmas event
- Other attractions near the church: Sita Cultural Center, Botanical Garden, Sunday Market.
8. St Andrew’s Church, Reddiarpalayam:
Next to the famous church in Pondicherry is St Andrew’s Church. Founded in 1745, St Andrew’s Church is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Pondicherry. It was built in Gothic architectural style by the chief of the French East India Company, Dubash Karna Karaya Mudali. Church administration is the responsibility of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Kudalore. The church has beautiful statues of St Andrews and the Virgin. The remains of Kanakaraya Mudali are also housed in the area of the church. Due to its grand architecture, art, decoration and ruins, as well as peace and quiet, the church is packed with locals and tourists alike. Therefore, it can be considered a famous church in Pondicherry.
emphasize:
- Church Day: Open all day
- Mass timing: Masses are held in the church at 5am, 6am and 5pm all days of the week.
- Place: Near School, Reddiarpalayam, Pondicherry, 605010
- how can I get there: Frequent buses reach this destination.
- Celebrations: During the Christmas period, the church’s festive celebration lasts for eight days, starting with the raising of the flag on January 24 and ending on January 2.
- Other attractions near the church: Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple Pondicherry, Pondicherry Bike Tour, Botanic Gardens.
9. Gorimedu Emanuel Methodist Church:
An unassuming chapel in the village of Patanur in the heart of Pondicherry has recently caught the eye of tourists. The church is a new addition to the Pondicherry church list, having just wrapped up its Jubilee celebration. The contemporary architectural style makes it stand out from other churches on this list. The church is famous for its prayers; if you visit this remarkable church in Pondicherry, you will never forget it.
- Church Day: Open all day
- Mass timing: Sunday 9am to 11:15am
- Place: No.237/2c, 2d, Pattanur Village, Gorimedu, (Near KFC), Pondicherry- 605006.
- how can I get there: Nearby railway stations to Pattanur are Villanur Railway Station, Puducherry Railway Station, easily accessible by road.
- Celebrations: Special worship and prayers held in February
- Other attractions near the church: Chennai Railway Museum, Chennai Government Museum, St. Andrew’s Church (The Kirk)
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Here is the list of churches in Pondicherry. Today, the importance of these Christian symbols extends beyond religion. They are a major tourist attraction and a symbol of national pride for people around the world and religious. They are studied today for their historical, architectural, cultural and religious significance, and they demonstrate that humans can…