India’s unicorn of trade, business, life, nightlife, culture, food and film cinema; Mumbai is the city with a heartbeat and it propels every inhabitant to dance to it’s rhythm!
Besides exhibiting cultural diversity, Bombay gallantly flaunts an amiable religious diversity as well. Amidst this religious diversity, the city has struggled bravely against several communal wars that took place at various occasions throughout India’s historical timeline.
Today, Bombay glorifies a life of its own, providing shelter to people belonging to every caste, creed and nationality.
The oldest religious monuments that still stand tall and peaceful amid the hustle and bustle of the city, are the famous Churches of Mumbai. These have withstood both the hardships and the merrier times Bombay has been witnessing for a very long time now.
Apart from symbolizing inspirational ancient Christian architecture, these churches also represent marvelous infrastructure and serenity. Take note and make sure to explore these 10 famous churches in Mumbai!
Mount Mary Basilica, Bandra
The holy wish granting Basilica of the Mount is a 100-year-old Roman Catholic Basilica that stands tall on a hill in Bandra (then known as Bandora).
The Portuguese Jesuits had brought the statue inside back in 16th century and was placed in the main altar of a small oratory on top of this hill. The famous Bandra fair especially, attracts people of every faith.
It is believed that any pleas for help, be it sickness, improvement in business or buying a house, are fulfilled at this Basilica. In sync with this church’s popularity, the hill on which it is located is now commonly known as Mount Mary Hill.
The exquisite charm on the outside as well as the interiors that reflect an old world beauty with its wall murals and pretty woodwork. The gorgeous church sits atop a hill at 80 mt above sea level and provides stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
It draws thousands of disciples from various faiths, who pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary seeking good health and protection.
St. Andrew’s Church, Bandra
Located between Chimbai village and Bandstand, this church was recently in the news for turning 400 years old. It was built as one of the biggest churches on the Island of Salsette, then under Portuguese control.
As mentioned earlier, most of these churches in Mumbai have very interesting stories to tell; this one withstood a cyclone in 1618 and the Maratha invasion around 1740.
This is a great place to attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, but make sure you come early enough since the mass is over by 11.45 pm. While passing by, do not forget to read the quotes put up by the church.
Visiting the St. Andrew’s Church in the suburbs of Bandra in Mumbai is liking stepping back in time into the 16th century! Built by the Portuguese, the church is among the oldest in the city and is a great example of a heritage monument with its architecture and features.
Located at the high altar are the statues of the Sacred Heart, the statue of Our Lady and St. Andrew. The altars in wood are intricately carved depicting perfectly the Portuguese style.
Among the beautiful features of the church that you must not miss is the the city’s largest and oldest stone cross that is located within the courtyard of the church and is built from a single stone!
Afghan Church, Colaba
Located in Navy Nagar, the Church of St John the Evangelist is popularly known as the Afghan Church because it was built in the 1850s to commemorate the defeat and the dead of the First Afghan war of 1838.
This church is an example of early Victorian revival architecture, and boasts a stained glass window, as well as a spire that is 198 feet tall. The spire seems to have been quite an expensive affair, costing a whopping Rs. 5,65,000 back then! Visit this church to enjoy the serene atmosphere, a rare thing in the crowded city of Mumbai.
St. Thomas Cathedral, Fort
Completed in 1618, this is a colonial monument that once stood at the eastern gateway of the British East India Company’s ‘fort,’ thus lending the name to the neighborhood of Churchgate.
The insides of St Thomas Cathedral are filled with beautiful monuments, including some to commemorate the martyrs of the battle of Seringapatam (now known as Srirangapatna, located near Mysore) of 1799. A visit to this Church should be followed by a visit to the garden at Horniman Circle, located right opposite.
A memory of Mumbai’s colonial past, St Thomas Cathedral is built in the neoclassical architectural style. Inside this Anglican church, you can see Epitaphs of soldiers who died fighting in Seringapatam (Mysore) and stained glass windows painted by Victorian artists.
Near the altar is a huge memorial of the first Archbishop of Mumbai. While exiting the church, don’t forget to look out for the ornate fountain that stands tall in the church complex.
St Peter’s Church, Bandra
The church as it stands today was built in 1938 on the site of the older structure from 1853, and emulating its Romanesque style. It was constructed in order to provide more space for the poor parishioners and the orphans who lived in the area.
Located on the busy shopping street of Hill Road, this is a must-visit especially for Midnight Mass. This church also manages two schools: St Stanislaus for boys and St Joseph’s Convent for girls.
With its impressive structure and wide open spaces, St. Peter’s church in the bustling suburb of Bandra is one of the most stunning in the city. Reminiscent of a Roman cathedral, the architecture and history of include gravestones dating back to the 18th century and a large marble statue of Christ the Redeemer in the middle of the courtyard.
The wooden doors open to a massive space adorned with beautiful glass paintings, arches, and relics of the Catholic faith. The highlight pieces here are the marble angels that lie on the side of the altar and the gorgeous tabernacle constructed in typical gothic style.
Gloria Church, Byculla
Built in the English Gothic style, the Gloria Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Byculla. It was originally built in 1632 by the Portuguese at the foot of Mazgaon Hill, funded by the then owners of the Mazgaon Island, the De Souza e Lima family.
It was demolished in 1911 and rebuilt in 1913 at its present location in Byculla, opposite the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum (and Jija Mata Udyaan). The claim to fame of this church is that it was featured in the Bollywood movies Amar Akbar Anthony and Rockstar.
The Gloria Church is located in the central suburb of Byculla. It was first constructed by the De Souza family of Mazgaon. However, its design was later changed and the church was reconstructed using traditional English Gothic architecture. The steeple of the church is so high that it can be seen from a few kilometres away even.
Noteworthy artifacts inside the dome structured church include an impressive marble altar and art that dates back to the 1600s. A scene from the iconic Bollywood film Amar, Akbar, Anthony was shot inside Gloria Church.
St. Michael’s Church, Mahim
Located on LJ Road, St Michael’s Church is famous for its Wednesday Novena, attended by people from all faiths. This is another church that puts up interesting quotes for passers-by to view and reflect upon.
The original church is believed to have been erected in 1534 by the Portuguese, but the present structure was built in 1973 in a minimalist style.
In June 2008, this church was flooded with thousands of devotees because it was believed that the picture of Jesus Christ was bleeding, due to the deep red patch that appeared on it.
It is among the oldest Portuguese structures in the city, the St. Michael’s Church or Mahim Church is the oldest Roman Catholic shrine in the city. Located on the Mahim Causeway Intersection, the church’s current structure dates back to 1973 and is simple and minimalistic in design.
The church is popular for the Novenas held on Wednesdays and devotees pay their respects to mother Virgin Mary on this day as well. The church was in the spotlight when a picture of Lord Jesus looked like it was bleeding from the heart, however, after scientific analysis the red spots were confirmed not to be blood. Over 50,000 devotees visit the temple every week and include people from different religious backgrounds.
Wodehouse Church, Colaba
Built in 1905, the Cathedral of the Holy Name, or the Wodehouse Church in Colaba is a Neo-Gothic stone monument that is among the most renowned Catholic churches in Mumbai.
The frescoes and the geometrical designs on the ceiling and walls are key features of this building. Built around 1905, the Cathedral of the Holy Name is the seat of the Archbishop of Bombay. The church is made entirely of stone and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Inside the church, noteworthy relics include the intricate gravestones of former Archbishops and a beautifully carved marble altar. The ceiling of the church, which is covered with paintings of the nativity scene, and a stained-glass window add to the beauty of the church.
The best time to visit is on Christmas Eve mass, as the cathedral is elaborately decorated.
St. Anne’s Church, Mazgaon
The present structure of St Anne’s Church in Mazgaon was erected in 1881 on top of the foundation of the small chapel that was originally built in 1787. The original chapel was erected by an Armenian woman called Rose Nesbit.
The land on which the chapel (and now St Ann’s Church) was built was her farmland, on the Island of Mazgaon where she lived with her parents. Among the most beautiful churches of Mumbai is the St Anne’s Church. Built in stone in the Neo-Gothic, it was initially a private chapel.
Situated in Mazgaon, this Catholic church is said to be over 125 years old. The church has several detailed artwork that depicts the scenes from the life and struggles of Lord Jesus.
The church is popular both among its devotees as well as travelers who make it a point to visit this church as a part of their Mumbai Darshan. Noteworthy features include the stained glass windows, beautiful figurines, tall arched roofs and charming lighting.
St. John the Baptist Church, Andheri East
Located in the SEEPZ industrial estate, this is not a place for the faint-hearted. Built in 1579 and abandoned in 1840 after an epidemic, this Church is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young bride who was either murdered or who committed suicide around 300 years ago.
In 1977, an exorcism was held here to rid the place of this spirit and one can read about it in the book Ghosts, Occults & Exorcists: True and Real Experiences, written by PS Ganesan based on his own experience.
The St. John the Baptist Church in Andheri is a must visit for anyone fascinated by architecture. History has it that the church was abandoned in the 1800s after an epidemic spread in the region.
All that remains today of the church are its ruins.The church is also said to be haunted by the spirit of a bride who ended her life here around 300 years ago.
In 2003, a few priests conducted an exorcism to rid the church of the spirit. It is not advisable to go at night as the church is lonely. Make a trip during the day with friends.