Churches in Mumbai – A Repository of Fine European Architecture

The churches in Mumbai can be the finest specimens of European architecture. Most of these were built during the sixteenth century, the era when the Portuguese and the British were jostling to maintain their position on the islands of Mumbai. Here are some of the notable churches serving as repository of classical European architecture.

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• Mount Mary Church: The picturesque Mount Mary Church will definitely be the best church in Mumbai to see. Located in West Bandra, the church offers visitors an opportunity to watch the sunset over the majestic Arabian Sea. Besides, you can’t prevent yourself from praising the fine elements of architecture that makes it one of the most notable specimens of European architecture. A tourist-friendly landmark, Mount Mary Church attracts a large number of visitors during the annual Bandra fair that runs for eight days.

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• St. Michael’s Church: Also known as Mahim Church because of its location, St. Michael’s Church made a headline in 2008 when some red spots were found on a Jesus picture, which was later termed by the devotees as a miracle of Jesus Christ. Originally built in 1534, the church is regarded as one of the oldest in Mumbai despite the fact that it was destroyed and rebuilt many times. Catch cheap flights to Mumbai for a visit to this interesting church.

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• St. Thomas’ Cathedral: Ever wondered why the neighborhood of Churchgate is called so? The Fort built by the British to protect the city had many gates, one of which used to serve as entrance to St. Thomas’ Cathedral, later leading to the nomenclature of the entire area as Churchgate. Built in 1718, St. Thomas’ Cathedral was the first Anglican Church in Mumbai, and is the one selected for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific heritage conservation award 2004.

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• St. Andrew’s Church: Built by the Portuguese Jesuits in 1575, St. Andrew’s Church was the only church in Bandra until the first quarter of the 17th century. One of the oldest churches in Mumbai, it features very high altars carved and painted in popular Portuguese styles. The 16th- century hanging wood panels depict the Resurrection of the Christ and the Assumption of Mother Mary. Besides, the church also houses one of the largest and oldest stone crosses in Mumbai.

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• Portuguese Church: As the name suggests, it was built by the Portuguese Franciscans in 1596, making it one of the oldest churches in Mumbai. The massive church located in Dadar (known as Lower Mahim in the 16th century) attracts the attention of visitors for its simple design and rudimentary elements of church construction. Take direct flights to Mumbai for a visit to the Portuguese Church, which is also known as the Church of Our Lady of Salvation.

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• Afghan Church: Located in Colaba and also known as the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Afghan Church was built by the British in commemoration of the soldiers who died in the First Afghan War of 1838. The imposing landmark is made of locally available basalt and limestone, and features wide gothic arches and beautiful stained glass windows. The most striking part of the church is, however, its 60-meter-high tower and spire.

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• Gloria Church: A remarkably beautiful church, Gloria Church has inspired many filmmakers to shoot their movies on its premises. Locals will easily remember the church as it has been featured in the 1977’s blockbuster movie ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’. Built by the Portuguese Franciscan in 1632, the church remained as one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Mumbai. Ask Hoodaki to book Flights to Mumbai from London for you and visit Gloria Church to find out what makes it so popular with the Indian filmmakers.