​Top 10 Oldest Churches of India you Must Know About

Oldest Churches of India: India boasts a diverse tapestry of ancient churches that bear witness to the country’s rich religious and cultural history. Among them, the San Thome Basilica, St Francis Church, and Basilica of Bom Jesus are some of the oldest churches in India that offer glimpses into India’s colonial past, blending intricate architecture with profound spiritual significance.

These ancient churches not only serve as places of worship but also as landmarks of historical importance, drawing pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike to witness their timeless beauty and significance. Let’s look at the 10 oldest churches in India.

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

​The meaning of the name of this 400-year-old church is “Church of the Holy Jesus.” It is a splendid baroque structure and has the initials “IHS” carved on the triangular roofing which is the abbreviation of the emblem of Jesuits, “Jesus, Saviour of Men” and above all is the holy trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Basilica contains the remains of St. Francis Xavier which were transported from Portugal 2 years after his death. The saint along with his close friend St. Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus also known as Jesuits. ​

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2. Francis Church, Kochi

​Francis Church is also known as the “Vasco Da Gama Palli” as Vasco Da Gama who died in 1524 during his third visit to Kochi was buried here. However, the Portuguese took his body back to Lisbon after 14 years. The church was built by the Portuguese after which it faced several invasions. The Dutch invaded Kochi in 1662 and converted it into their church by placing Dutch-style communion tables and furniture. However, the church was renamed and renovated by the British when the Dutch surrendered it to them after their defeat in the invasion of Kochi the latter in 1795. ​

3. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Goa

​The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate conception is built in the centre of Panaji, the Capital of Goa and is also often referred to as the “Crown of Panaji.” The original chapel was built in 1541 but was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1619 into a church. The church is an adorable example of Portuguese-baroque and Goan architecture and is said to be in the shape of a “wedding cake.”

The church has two tall towers and an even taller belfry. The bell was brought here from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace. Our lady of Immaculate conception refers to the Virgin Mary who is believed to be blessed by the god with protection from the taint of original sin right from the time she was biologically conceived by her mother, St. Anne.

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4. Christ Church, Shimla

​Christ Church in Shimla is the second oldest church in Northern India after St. John’s. This particular church took around 11 years to complete. Built by the British, this church is a magnificent yellow building inspired by neo-gothic architecture and can be seen from far away areas of Shimla. When a large number of Anglo-Indians resided in the city of Shimla along with the British, they requested the British administration to build a church where they could offer prayers.

The features that make this church so adorable are the front porch and the five stained glass windows representing the five virtues of Christianity: patience, faith, humility, hope, and charity. The church glows and looks like a majestic castle and has also been featured in films like Black and 3 idiots. ​

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5. St Paul Cathedral, West Bengal

This beautiful church was built in 1847 and it is popular for its Gothic architecture. It is the 1st Episcopal Church located in Asia. The stained glass windows are ethereal and the paintings inside the church make it even more beautiful. When the sunlight falls upon the windows, you will see a gorgeous spectacle of nature. This church was built to replace St. John’s Church.

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6. Santa Cruz Basilica, Kochi

​Santa Cruz Basilica is a heritage edifice built in the Fort of Kochi which was established when a Portuguese fleet reached the shores of Kochi. The foundation of the cathedral was laid long back in 1505. It is said that the church got this name because the foundation was laid on the day of the invention of the Holy Cross. The status of the church was raised to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1598. But it was not until 1984 that the church was granted Basilica status by Pope John Paul II. The most attractive features of this church are the paintings of Brother Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of Mangalore. ​

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7. Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu

​Velankanni is one of the biggest and oldest churches in India which is situated in Tamil Nadu. Many Catholics call it “Lourdes of the East”. This church was built in 160 and became a basilica in 1962. This church is a hidden gem, and you can see the gorgeous Velankanni seaside town from here.

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8. St Thomas Church, Palayuur

​Thomas is the oldest church in India and was established in 52 A.D. in the Palayuur district of Kerala. It is also one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas the Apostle himself. Legend has it that when St. Thomas reached Palayuur, he was delighted at the sight of Brahmins praying and offering water in the form of Tharpanam to the Sun God outside the Palayuur temple. The Church was elevated to the rank of the first Archdiocesan pilgrim centre in 2020. The church also houses relics of St. Thomas conveyed from Ortona, Italy. ​

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9. St Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal

​Andrew’s Basilica is named after St. Andrew but is dedicated to St. Sebastian. This Basilica is a famous pilgrimage site in South India not just for Christians but also for Hindus. Till 1560, there was a ban on Christian conversions; however, the first Vicar to Arthunkal Fr. Gasper Pious managed to get permission to build the church. But it was the second Vicar Fr. Giacomo Fenecio SJ who converted the church, which was earlier built-in wood, into one made up of stone.

He is also known as the Apostle of Arthunkal. Arthunkal rose to fame when the mortal remains of St. Sebastian were brought from Italy to this church. St. Sebastian was the captain of the bodyguards of Roman Emperor Diocletian but was brutally killed in 286 AC because of his undying faith in Christ. It is said that people of all beliefs and creeds, who were afflicted by epidemics, came to St. Sebastian and were miraculously cured.

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10. Se Cathedral, Goa

​The Se Cathedral in Goa is one of the oldest and also largest churches in Asia. This church was built by the Roman Catholics during the Portuguese rule in Goa, and it is considered larger than any of the Cathedrals in Portugal itself. The Church is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria as it was on the day of her feast that Alfonso Albuquerque defeated the Muslim army in Goa and established Portuguese rule in 1510. The Cathedral is a unique combination of Portuguese-Gothic style, Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior.

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