Welcome to our travel guide on the 16 famous churches in Maharashtra, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and religious diversity. These churches not only serve as places of worship but also as architectural marvels, showcasing the region’s colonial past and the influence of European architecture.
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Famous Churches In Maharashtra You Should Visit Once
In this article, we will take you through the famous churches in Maharashtra, highlighting their uniqueness, historical significance, and the best time to visit.
Popular Churches In Mumbai
Ambroli Church
Ambroli Church was established in 1831 by Scottish missionary John Wilson in Girgaum, Mumbai. It is one of the most famous churches in Maharashtra. The church was originally gathered at Wilson’s home, Ambroli House, and the name is believed to refer to the Gujarati hometown of migrants who settled in Mumbai.
- How to reach Ambroli Church? The closest railway station to Amboli Church is Sawantwadi which is just 30 km away. Dabolim Airport is the closest airport which is 57 km away. Andheri West is the nearest bus stop. It is an 11-minute walk away.
- What is Ambroli Church famous for? Amboli Church is known for its altar which is carved in wood.
- Best time to visit Ambroli Church: October to February is an excellent time to visit Amboli church.
Holy Name Cathedral
The Holy Name Cathedral is also famous as the Cathedral of the Holy Name. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral situated in Mumbai. It serves as the seat and headquarters of the Archbishop of Bombay. The cathedral was built in the Gothic Revival style popular among British architects.
It is located in the Colaba area of South Bombay. Additionally, it is situated within the grounds of the Holy Name High School, which was established in 1939.
- How to reach Holy Name Cathedral? The nearest train station to Holy Name Cathedral is Churchgate. It is a 13-minute walk away. Mumbai Airport is the closest airport which is 24 km away.
- What is Holy Name Cathedral famous for? Holy Name Cathedral is very famous because it is the headquarters of the Archbishop of Bombay.
- Best time to visit Holy Name Cathedral: January to March is the best time to visit this Church.
Christ Church
Christ Church in Byculla was built in 1833 as an Anglican church. It is affiliated with the Church of North India. The church was built during the governorship of John FitzGibbon, 2nd Earl of Clare. It was one of the last 19th-century churches in Mumbai to be built in the Neoclassical style.
The church was designed by a Portuguese architect named Augusto and was consecrated in December 1835. In 2017, the church’s restoration project won the Award of Merit under the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
- How to reach Christ Church? The nearest train station to Christ Church is Byculla railway station. It is about 15 minutes away. Mumbai Airport is the closest airport which is 16 km away.
- What is Christ Church famous for? Christ Church is famous for its neo-classical architecture, which was a popular style during the period it was built.
- Best time to visit Christ Church: November to March is the best time to visit this Christ Church.
St Andrew and St Columba Church
The Church of St Andrew and St Columba also famous as Scots’ Kirk, consists of two separate buildings in Kala Ghoda. It was the first Scottish church in Mumbai, built-in 1819 after the arrival of the city’s first Presbyterian minister, James Clow.
St Andrew’s architectural style is Greek revival, inspired by St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. Both churches are open only on Sundays for service, with St Columba being used for the church’s homeless street children project on other days.
- How to reach St Andrew and St Columba Church? The nearest railway station is Churchgate railway station. It is about 2 Km away. The nearest airport is Mumbai airport which is 21 km away.
- What is St Andrew and St Columba Church famous for? The church is famous for its architecture, which features a Neoclassical facade.
- Best time to visit St Andrew and St Columba Church: The best time to visit the church is October to February.
Emmanuel Church
Emmanuel Church was constructed in 1869 and is associated with the Church of North India. The building follows the Gothic Revival style and is designated as a Grade II heritage structure, crafted from Porbandar stone. It holds the distinction of being the inaugural church with an Indian congregation to adopt the British Church Mission Society (CMS) practices.
Even though it is now under the Church of North India, the members of the parish continue to observe Anglican customs. The church was founded by Revd. T. K. Weatherhead of the CMS.
- How to reach Emmanuel Church? Grant Road Railway Station is the nearest railway station located around 1.5 km away. Mumbai airport is the nearest airport. It is 20 km away.
- What is Emmanuel Church famous for? The Emmanuel Church is famous for its Gothic Revival architectural style.
- Best time to visit Emmanuel Church: October to February is the best time to visit the Emmanuel Church.
St. Thomas Cathedral
St. Thomas Cathedral is a 300-year-old Anglican church named after Saint Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have brought Christianity to India. It is located in the historic centre of Mumbai, near landmarks such as the Flora Fountain and Bombay House.
It is the first Anglican church in Mumbai and a landmark in South Mumbai. The Cathedral and John Connon School, established in 1860, uses the cathedral for various events including Founder’s Day Service and Carol Service.
- How to reach St. Thomas Cathedral? The Nearest airport to St. Thomas Cathedral is Mumbai Airport which is 20 Km away. The nearest railway station to the church is Churchgate railway station which is 1.7 km away.
- What is St. Thomas Cathedral famous for? It is famous for being the first Anglican church in Bombay (present-day Mumbai.)
- Best time to visit St. Thomas Cathedral: The best time to visit the church is from November to March.
Famous Churches In Pune
All Saints Church
The All Saints Church in Khadki is one of the city’s oldest churches. Back in the British era, Khadki held significance as a key military station. Situated near Khadki railway station and alongside the Old Mumbai-Pune National Highway, the church enjoys a convenient location.
- How to reach All Saint Church? Dockyard Road railway station is the closest railway station which is 1 km away. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is the nearest airport which is 13.9 km away. Kamani bus stop is the nearest bus stop which is 2.6 km away.
- What is All Saint Church famous for? All Saint Church is very famous because of its beautiful interior that has stained glass windows, It is also very famous for its antique wooden work.
- Best time to visit All Saint Church: The All Saints Church can be visited at any time of the year.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is a protestant church located in Pune Cantonment. It holds the distinction of being the oldest church in the Deccan region, earning it the title of the “mother church of the Deccan.” The church was designed by Lieutenant Nash of the East India Company’s Engineers.
The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Reginald Heber of Calcutta in 1825, although he criticized its architectural style. Today, the church hosts a congregation of 1,500 members every Sunday and operates under the Church of North India.
- How to reach St. Mary’s Church? Pune railway station is the closest railway station which is 3 km away. Pune International Airport is the nearest airport which is 10 km away.
- What is St. Mary’s Church famous for? It is famous for being situated atop a hillside offering picturesque views over the Arabian Sea.
- Best time to visit St. Mary’s Church: The best time to visit St. Mary’s Church is November to February.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Pune is a Roman Catholic religious building built in neo-gothic style in the 19th century. It became the cathedral church of Pune when it was made a diocese in 1886 and remains the main church. It has the highest number of parishioners in the Pune diocese.
- How to reach St. Patrick’s Cathedral? The nearest railway station to St Patrick’s Cathedral(Pune) is Pune Junction. It’s a 14 min walk away. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport. It is 10.5 km away. The nearest bus stop is Pune bus stand. It is 4.2 km away.
- What is St. Patrick’s Cathedral famous for? The Church is very famous because it is a Roman Catholic religious building. It is also known as the ‘Empress Garden’ of Pune.
- Best time to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The best time to visit the church is from September through November.
Famous Churches In Nashik
Holy Cross Church
The Holy Cross Church in Nashik is a Catholic church established in 1990 near the Catholic Ashram. The church is beautifully maintained and has a positive, peaceful atmosphere that welcomes both Christians and non-Christians alike. The architectural style of the church is modern and includes all necessary amenities.
The church functions under the Catholic Holy Cross Trust and holds an annual festival in February. Visitors to the Holy Cross Church can expect to find spiritual harmony and blessings, regardless of their religious background.
- How to reach Holy Cross Church? The nearest airport is Nashik Airport. It is around 22 km away. The nearest railway station is Nashik Road Railway Station. It is about 10 km away from the church.
- What is Holy Cross Church famous for? This church is famous for its annual festival held in February.
- Best time to visit Holy Cross Church: November to February is the best time to visit Holy Cross Church.
Shrine Of Infant Jesus Church
Inaugurated in 1970, this church still stands tall and beautiful. It houses a 19-inch idol of the infant Jesus dressed in royal attire, with its right hand raised in benediction and the left hand holding the Globe, symbolizing unity and sovereignty.
- How to reach Infant Jesus Church? The nearest airport is Nashik Airport, around 23 km away. Nashik Road Railway Station is the nearest railway station. It is about 10 km away from the church.
- What is Infant Jesus Church famous for? The church is famous for being a site of miracles and is visited by people from multiple faiths across India to offer their prayers and requests.
- Best time to visit Infant Jesus Church: The best time to visit the church is December to March.
St. Alphonsa Church
The St. Alphonsa Church in Nashik is a new traditional church with a modern touch. It is centrally located and one of the most visited churches in the area. The Sunday service starts at 08:30 AM, so it is recommended to arrive early as the church fills up quickly.
- How to reach St. Alphonsa Church? The nearest Railway Station to St. Alphonsa Church (Nashik) is Nashik Railway Station. It is 4.4 km away. The nearest Airport is Nashik International Airport. It is 20.3 km away. The nearest bus stop is Nashik Bus Stand. It is 7.2 km away.
- What is St. Alphonsa Church famous for? The church is very famous because the look and feel of the church is quite traditional with a modern touch. The wooden cross adds beauty to the church.
- Best time to visit St. Alphonsa Church: July is the best month to visit the church.
Famous Roman Catholic Churches in Maharashtra
Mount Mary’s Church
Perched atop a hillock in Bandra, Mumbai, the Mount Mary Church is also famous as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount. It is a revered Roman Catholic church dating back to the 16th century. This iconic church draws pilgrims and tourists alike with its annual Bandra Fair, where devotees flock to seek blessings from the Virgin Mary.
The church’s stunning architecture, including its tall spires and intricate stained glass windows, adds to its allure as a spiritual and cultural hub. It is one of the oldest church in Maharashtra.
- How to reach Mount Mary Church? The nearest railway station to Mount Mary’s Church (Mumbai) is Bandra Railway Station. It is 2 km away. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It is 10 km away.
- What is Mount Mary Church famous for? The Church is most famous for the annual feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is the birthday of the Virgin Mary.
- Best time to visit Mount Mary Church: The best time to visit the church is September to February.
St. Anne’s Church
St. Anne’s Church lies in the coastal town of Alibag. It is a quaint Roman Catholic church that exudes old-world charm and tranquillity. Built in the late 19th century, this church showcases a simple yet elegant design, with its whitewashed walls and wooden interiors creating a serene atmosphere for worshippers and visitors.
Surrounded by lush greenery and offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea, St. Anne’s Church provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace amidst nature’s beauty.
- How to reach St. Anne’s Church? Mumbai airport is the nearest airport. It is around 90 Km away. The nearest railway station to St. Anne’s Church (Alibaug) is the Pali Naka Railway Station. It is 169 meters away.
- What is St. Anne’s Church famous for? The church is very famous because of its Romanesque architecture.
- Best time to visit St. Anne’s Church: The best to visit the church is from November to February.
St. Joseph’s Church
St. Joseph’s Church is a beautiful Roman Catholic church that dates back to the 19th century. This church is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, with pointed arches, intricate carvings, and stunning stained glass windows.
The church’s interior is equally impressive, with a high vaulted ceiling, beautiful wooden pews, and a stunning altar that features a beautiful statue of St. Joseph.
- How to reach St. Joseph Church? The nearest railway station to St. Joseph’s Church (Mumbai) is Vile Parle. It is 4 km away. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It is 23 km away.
- What is St. Joseph Church famous for? The church is very famous because of Its beautiful campus, variety of trees, orchards, flowers, and lush greenery.
- Best time to visit St. Joseph Church: November to March is the best month to visit the church.
St. Francis Xavier’s Church
St. Francis Xavier’s Church counts as the oldest church in Maharashtra, located on St. Vincent Street in Pune. It is a beautiful Roman Catholic church that dates back to the 19th century. This church is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, with pointed arches and intricate carvings that adorn the exterior and interior.
- How to reach St. Francis Xavier’s Church? The nearest railway station to St. Francis Xavier’s Church (Pune) is Badlapur Railway Station. It is 1 km away. The nearest Airport is Pune Airport. It is 8.7 km away.
- What is St. Francis Xavier’s Church famous for? This church in Pune is famous for its painted glass design.
- Best time to visit St. Francis Xavier’s Church: The best time to visit the church is from November to February.
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We have explored the famous churches in Maharashtra from the historic Ambroli Church in Mumbai to the Francis Xavier’s Church in Pune, each of these churches has its own unique story to tell and a special place in the hearts of those who visit them. Whether you are a devout Christian or simply interested in exploring the state’s cultural heritage, these churches are must-visit destinations in Maharashtra.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ambroli Church in Mumbai is known for its beautifully carved wood altar.
Holy Name Cathedral is situated in Mumbai, and it is famous for being the headquarters of the Archbishop of Bombay.
Christ Church in Byculla is known for its Neoclassical style of architecture.
Emmanuel Church in Mumbai is designated as a Grade II heritage structure due to its Gothic Revival style and use of Porbandar stone in construction.
The best time to visit the church is from November to February.
