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Bangalore happens to be the perfect example of a cosmopolitan city in India and here the old resides happily, along with the new, side by side- one leading the way and the other showing the future. In Bangalore, people from all religious backgrounds and faiths happen to coincide in perfect harmony, and people of every community come together to celebrate every festival as well, without any inhibitions. Bangalore is known as the City of Gardens and it has also been touted as the Silicon Valley of India, but there are a number of other religious structures as well. And while most tend to talk about the temples in a city, mostly due to their architectural significance, there are also other religious structures like mosques and churches, and there are quite a few of the latter in the city of Bangalore. No matter which sect of Christianity one adheres to, there are Protestant, Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and even Pentecostal churches to be found in the city of Bangalore. They are beautiful edifices and their architectural merits are great. They are of course, the principal places of worship during festivals like Christmas and Easter and if you are in time, you will see the churches beautifully lighted and decorated during the occasion. Here are some of the most notable churches in Bangalore which you must pay a visit to, even if you are not religious or a Christian.
This cathedral was built over 200 years ago and happens to be one of the oldest in Bangalore. The church gets its name from Saint Mark aka Mark the Evangelist, who has also been said to have authored one of the gospels. The church was established in 1808 and was later consecrated in 1816, by the- then bishop of Calcutta. This church also happens to be a perfect example of how things started in hate often lead to love. It is said that this church was first started as a garrison church, for the Madras Army officials who served under the East India Company. Naturally, it has a very distinct colonial style of architecture and is heavily inspired from the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, which was built in the 17th century. The church has an enviable collection of woodwork, and the intricate carving near the entrance of the temple is truly awe- inspiring. The lawns of the church are also very beautifully manicured and there are gulmohar trees, cassias and temple lilies blooming in the compound. Of course, the church has undergone some construction after its first inception and it had also been rebuilt, but the essence of the original church remains and the Christians of the city, hold this church in deep reverence. The church decorations during Christmas and Easter are truly a sight to behold.
Affiliation: Protestant church
Location: On MG Road, only 2 km away from Commercial Street
This church is located in the Cantonment Area of Bangalore, like many other churches in the vicinity. The church was established in 1852 ad many noted people from the British empire had visited the church, Winston Churchill and Lord Cornwallis among them. And like most churches in the city, this also started off as a military church, mostly where the officials of the British East India Company and their families went to when they were posted here. The church was part of the mission of “One Station, One Church” program of the British Army back then. In fact, this church happens to be the largest of all military churches in South India and is a major Protestant church in the city as well. Today, it is a major landmark. The church has a Renaissance style of architecture and the carvings and engravings are stunning. The most notable features are the marble murals on the wall and this is a major attraction for the tourists. Most of the items of use inside the church, like the bell, pulpit and the baptismal had been brought from London back then and are still in use. The church is wonderful to look at from both outside and inside and draws a steady stream of visitors.
Affiliation: Protestant
Location: MG Road, Trinity Circle in Bangalore.
This is a Roman Catholic Church in Bangalore and was founded in the year 1851. However, it is said that the tower of the church fell down in 1905 and hence a new edifice was constructed in the place of the old one and the new church was inaugurated again in 1932. When the church of Bangalore was formed in 1940 after it had branched out from the diocese of Mysore, the St. Francis Xavier Church was selected as the Cathedral. This church has seen a lot of history and has been a witness to many important events. The church is done up in granite and is shaped like a cross. There is a large dome which sits above the main sanctuary and there are two other domes, in colors of white and blue, which were added in 2009, as a part of the platinum jubilee celebrations. The church has an overall European influence in terms of architecture and during Christmas, the church is beautifully decorated and events are also organized here. The church is one of the main centers of prayers for the Roman Catholics in the city, and weddings and baptisms are also held here.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Location: Cleveland Town
This church is located in Brigade Road, which happens to be one of the principal areas of shopping in the city and a prime commercial zone. However, the church located here is one of the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the entire city. St. Patrick’s Church was built in 1844 and is known for its brilliant architecture and it has twelve beautiful pillars near the arched entrance, in dedication to the twelve apostles of Christ. The pillars and the arched ceiling make a wonderful sight and is part of the beautiful architecture of the place. There is a shrine dedicated to St. Anthony beside the main entrance and it is believed that by offering prayers at this shrine, one can get rid of all problems and worries of one’s life. The church has an impressive architecture and the church grounds are also very calm and peaceful, which makes it a wonderful place for introspection. This is all the more heightened by the fact that the church is located in one of the busiest and most congested parts of the city, but once inside the church, the outside world seems to melt away.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Location: Brigade Road
This church had very humble beginnings, because at the time of its inception in the 17th century, this church was just a thatched place of worship. From there, it is now a basilica which draws a huge number of Christian pilgrims to it round the year. The church has a Gothic architectural style and the elaborate motifs and stained glass windows only add to the aura of the place. The interiors of the church are quite ornamental and it is a great place of sightseeing as well as an important place of worship. It happens to be the first church in Karnataka that was granted the status of a minor basilica. The feast of St. Mary’s, which is celebrated in the month of September every year, to commemorate the birthday of Mother Mary, sees a huge turnout of devotees. The church is also visited regularly by important dignitaries of the diocese. This is one of the most famous churches in Bangalore.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Location: Shivaji Nagar
This church is comparatively new in the city, but it is still an important place of worship for the people. The Infant Jesus Church was built in the year 1971 and is dedicated to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Pilgrims mostly come here in huge numbers because a number of miracles have been attributed to this place. This church is worth a visit, whether one is a devout Christian, or whether one is simply interested in the history of the churches of the city. The church has a very serene ambience and the central mural of the church, which depicts the scene of nativity in Bethlehem, is the highpoint inside the church. This Catholic Church in Bangalore also a great choir.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Location: Vivek Nagar
This might not be the biggest church in Banglore, but the St. Andrew’s Church definitely happens to be one of the most popular ones, where a large congregation of pilgrims, mostly assemble to. The church is named after St. Andrew’s, who happens to be the patron saint of Scotland. This church was built over 150 years ago and is Presbyterian by nature, and the church boasts of Gothic architecture, with the interiors having stunning stained glass work. The vintage nature of the styling and peaceful ambience of the church will take you to the bygone eras. The church is located in Shivaji Nagar and it happens to be one of the most famous centers of shopping and eating in the city. Hence, the church has seen the city changing around it.
Affiliation: Protestant
Location: Tasker Town, Shivaji Nagar
Most people would say this is the best church in Bangalore, if one wants to know more about Evangelicalism. The Bethel Assembly of God Church is an international center of worship. The church itself is not very old as it was founded just a couple of decades ago, but soon it rose to prominence and today it is counted as one of the most influential churches in the entire country. There are two chapels inside the church, each with a capacity of seating a hundred people at the time. This alone shows how large the entire church premises are. The Sunday prayers of the church are attended by almost everyone in the community. The church holds great festivals during the festivals and the grounds are full of people. It is quite a glorious experience to attend the midnight mass of the church and the choir which performs here happens to be one of the best in the country.
Affiliation: Evangelical Protestant
Location: Hebbal
The East Parade Church was supposedly established in the early years of 19th century and the architecture will take your breath away. The church was initially known as the Wesleyan Mission Chapel and the Wesleyan Cathedral of Bangalore, but now it has its name due to its location. The shrine stands on the eastern side of the Parade Grounds of the Madras Sappers regiment that is the current MG Road. Since then, it has been known as the East Prade Church. The site of the present church building is where the old Wesleyan Mission Chapel stood. What is striking about the architecture of the church is that there are no pillars or columns inside and the altar is hence seen clearly from all sections of the church, greatly increasing its aesthetic appeal. The church also happens to have a very simple and beautiful pulpit and the interiors have great acoustics as well.
Affiliation: Protestant
Location: MG Road
The St. John’s Church is definitely one of the more interesting buildings in the city. The church is done up entirely in red and the steeple is quite imposing, rising high over the surroundings. This happens to be one of the most important Protestant churches in the city. The church was built somewhere around the 1850s and is dedicated to Evangelist St. John. The pipe organ inside the church is said to be the original one which has been here from the beginning and it happens to be one of the largest in the city. There is also a war memorial in front of the church, dedicated to the soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War.
Affiliation: Protestant
Location: Cleveland Town, Shivaji Nagar
Bangalore has a number of churches and the St. Luke’s Church happens to be one of the few ones which has a blend of Indian as well as Western influence in its architecture. The church is made of granite and the central tower is a magnificent 80 feet high. The windows are huge and breathtaking and the stained glass work lends an ethereal aura to the place. The edifice is very beautiful. The church derives its name, and is dedicated to, the St. Luke, who was an Evangelist, and has been said to author one of the four gospels. The church has been built in 1935 and today it stands as a symbol of serenity. The church, since its inception, has been a great addition to the city skyline. The church festivities during the festivals of Easter and Christmas are especially noteworthy.
Affiliation: Protestant
Location: Chamrajpet
If you truly want to admire Church architecture, then you have to come here because this church has a rare blend of French and Gothic styles of architecture. This church is about two centuries old and was built during the latter half of the 19th century. The interiors are done up in marbles, and there are magnificent statues installed in the nooks. The church has used solid blocks of granite during its construction, and the pillars have Corinthinian style of carving. The side altars of the church have a typical Roman influence of style and there are several other unique features of the church which draws the attention of the art historians. The great bell of the church has been brought in from Italy.
Affiliation: Protestant
Location: Ashok Nagar
The church is located in one of the busiest parts of the city, in Cubbon Park, and yet the church grounds are so peaceful and tranquil. The Hudson Memorial Church has a very old world aura about it and it is over 110 years old. Few other churches of the city can compare to the grandeur and beauty of this church and both Gothic and Classical styles of architecture have been used. The church is replete with lancet windows, stained glass work, vaulted ceiling and intricate carvings on stone. The stained glass windows of this church have been painted by artists of London and it happens to be a very important Kannada Protestant churches in Bangalore today. Moreover, people of all faith are welcome here and the festivals see a huge gathering of people.
Affiliation: Protestant
Location: Hudson Circle
The All Saint’s Church is also known as the Garden Church of the garden City. The church is said to be over 150 years old and is indeed very beautiful. The church was founded in 1870 by a missionary who came from London, by the name of Reverend St. Pettigrew. He was also the founder of the Bishop Cottons School. As the church is named, it is not dedicated to any particular saint but is a sign of reverence to them all. It is said that the church was first founded so that the poor in the area, the European pensioners and the low ranking officials of the British Army could come here to worship but even today the church doors are open to everyone. The church has a Gothic styled country architecture, located in the middle of the Garden, which is wonderfully landscaped and many kinds of flowers bloom here during the season. The place offers a glimpse of colonial era England with its stone walls, dormer windows and low ceilings. The gable roof is steep crossed and the overall ambience is so vintage and old world that you are sure to get lost in it.
Affiliation: Protestant
Location: Hosur Road
This church has quite an imposing architecture and the church sees a number of devotees coming here in huge numbers. The church is just short of a few years of completing its hundredth year. The church has imposing façade and yet the interiors are very tranquil. The rituals of the church are followed in quite a traditional manner, which is why, many people of older generation also prefer to come here.
Location: Richard’s Town
Affiliation: Protestant
This church is very well known among its followers because the overall ambience of the church is very delightful. This church is especially one of the best churches in the city for weddings and the happy and genial ambience of the church is loved by all. The church also has wonderful grounds in which many kinds of flowers bloom. The church also hosts many community services from time to time and there are a number of volunteers who participate in those events.
Location: Sarjapur Road
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Some other notable churches in the city are the Methodist Church in Indiranagar, Bethel Mai Thoma Church in Pai Layout, Ascension Church in Vivekananda Road, Four Square Gospel Church in Indira Nagar, Holy Family Church in Rama Murthy Nagar and Christ King Church in Subramanyam Nagar, among. There are, in fact, close to 200 churches in Bangalore, and all of them have their own unique history, which are a joy to discover and find out about. The festivals are celebrated with vigor and most of the churches have community service programs which looks to the education of the poor and the scholarships of needy students. Bangalore will let you get a glimpse of its past with its churches and other religious edifices and you will come to know more about, and appreciate the city more than you ever did. Do visit at least some of these churches on your next visit and you will love the tranquility that they offer, even in a busy city like Bangalore.
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April 15, 2024 
