Top 11 Churches in Chennai You Can Visit
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is home to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring churches in India. These churches, some dating back to the colonial era, are not just religious landmarks but also architectural marvels with spectacular views that attract visitors from all over the world who seek serenity and bliss.
List of Most Famous Churches in Chennai
Following is the list of churches in Chennai that are easily accessible via the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, Chennai International Airport, and the T. Nagar (MTC Chennai) Bus Terminus:
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11 Best Churches to Visit in Chennai
Explore the mystical appeal of Chennai through these top 11 churches; here are those 11 churches:
1. Santhome Cathedral Basilica | Santhome High Rd., Santhome
San Thome Cathedral Basilica, a revered pilgrimage site, stands as a testament to Chennai's Christian heritage. With its neo-Gothic architecture and serene ambience, it offers a spiritual retreat for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Nearby Places: Marina Beach, Besant Nagar Beach, Fort St. George
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2. St. Thomas Mount National Shrine | Parangi Malai
Perched atop Parangi Malai, St. Thomas Mount National Shrine offers breathtaking views of Chennai city. This historic site is believed to be the place where St. Thomas, the apostle, was martyred, making it a significant pilgrimage destination.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Nearby Places: Little Mount Shrine, T Nagar, Guindy National Park
3. Annai Velankanni Shrine | Besant Nagar
Gracefully located in Besant Nagar, Annai Vailankanni Shrine is a symbol of faith and devotion for thousands of worshippers. Its serene ambience and majestic architecture make it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Nearby Places: Elliot's Beach, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Theosophical Society
4. St. Mary’s Co-Cathedral | Armenian St, Parry’s
Located in the bustling Armenian Street of Parrys, St. Mary's Co-Cathedral exudes colonial charm with its impressive architecture and serene ambience. As one of the oldest churches in Chennai, it stands as a symbol of resilience and faith.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
- Timings: Opens daily from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Closes at 10:00 PM on Tuesday)
- Nearby Places: Chennai Port Museum, Fort St. George, Marina Beach
5. St. Andrew’s Church (The Kirk) | Egmore
Situated in the heart of Egmore, St. Andrew's Kirk is a magnificent example of Scottish architecture in Chennai. Its tranquil atmosphere and ornate interiors make it a serene haven for worshippers and tourists alike.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (7:00 AM to 7:30 PM on Sunday)
- Nearby Places: Government Museum, Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple
6. Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine | Perambur
Nestled in the vibrant locality of Perambur, Our Lady of Lourdes Church is a haven of peace and serenity amidst the bustling city life. Devotees flock to this sacred shrine to seek blessings and solace in Mother Mary's loving embrace.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Nearby Places: Vandalur Zoo, Pulicat Lake, Connemara Public Library
7. St. Patrick’s Church | Butt Road
Situated on Butt Road, St. Patrick's Cathedral is a magnificent architectural marvel that stands as a testament to Chennai's rich Catholic heritage. Peace-seekers from all over the world come here for its grandeur and spiritual aura.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March
- Timings: Opens on Monday to Friday from 6:15 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Nearby Places: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George
8. C.S.I St. George’s Cathedral | Gopalapuram
Located in the historic George Town, St. George's Cathedral stands as a magnificent example of colonial architecture in Chennai. Its imposing facade and serene interiors attract visitors seeking spiritual solace and historical insight.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Nearby Places: Fort St. George, Chennai Port Museum, Marina Beach
9. Votive Shrine Of The Immaculate Heart of Mary | Kilpauk
Nestled in Kilpauk, the Votive Shrine Of The Immaculate Heart of Mary stands as a testament to faith and devotion. With its serene ambience and graceful architecture, it offers solace and spiritual enlightenment to visitors seeking blessings from the Virgin Mary.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
- Timings: Opens daily from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Nearby Places: Valluvar Kottam, Semmozhi Poonga, Government Museum
10. Shrine of Our Lady of Health & St. Thomas The Apostle | Lourd Doss Grotto Rd
Located on Lourd Doss Grotto Road, the Shrine of Our Lady of Health & St. Thomas The Apostle is a revered pilgrimage site in Chennai. Devotees flock to this sacred shrine to seek blessings and healing from the Virgin Mary and St. Thomas, the apostle.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Closes at 9:30 PM on Sunday.)
- Nearby Places: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George
11. St. Anthony’s Shrine | Armenian St, Parry’s
Situated on Armenian Street, Parry’s, St. Anthony’s Shrine is a cherished landmark in Chennai's Christian community. With its historical significance and spiritual aura, it attracts devotees and tourists alike, seeking blessings and divine intervention from St. Anthony.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Nearby Places: Chennai Port Museum, Fort St. George, Marina Beach
Immerse yourself in the divine aura and rich history of famous churches in Chennai, each offering a unique blend of spirituality, architecture, and cultural significance. From the grand Santhome Cathedral Basilica to the serene St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, each church has its unique charm and appeal.
FAQs about Churches to Visit in Chennai, India
What is the famous church in Chennai?
The Santhome Cathedral Basilica is renowned as one of the most famous churches in Chennai, and it is revered for its historical significance and spiritual aura.
How many churches are there in Chennai?
In Chennai, the total number of Christian churches is approximately 126.
Which is the biggest church in Chennai?
St. Thomas Mount National Shrine is considered one of the largest churches in Chennai due to its sprawling complex and historical importance.
Which church attracts the most visitors in a year?
The Annai Velankanni Shrine in Besant Nagar is known to attract a significant number of visitors each year due to its reputation for miracles and divine intervention.
Which church is it said that St. Thomas gave sermons and prayed at?
St. Thomas is believed to have preached and prayed at the St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Christians.
Which is the most popular Scottish church in the east?
St. Andrew's Church, also known as The Kirk, in Egmore, Chennai, is renowned as the most popular Scottish church in the east.
Which church is best for a Christmas celebration in Chennai?
St. Mary's Co-Cathedral in Armenian Street, Parry’s, is known for its grand Christmas celebrations, attracting worshippers from all over Chennai.
How many Christians are there in Chennai?
The Christian popularity in Chennai is expected to be 7.72%.
Who brought Christianity to Tamil Nadu?
Christianity was introduced to Tamil Nadu by St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have arrived in India in the 1st century AD and preached Christianity in the region.
Which cathedral is in Chennai?
C.S.I. St. George's Cathedral, located in Gopalapuram, Chennai, is a prominent cathedral in the city, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
Why is the Votive Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary famous?
The Votive Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kilpauk, Chennai, is famous for its serene ambience and as a place of devotion where worshippers seek blessings and solace.
What Christian rituals are followed in church?
Christian church rituals include prayer, hymn singing, scripture reading, sacraments such as baptism and communion, and various liturgical ceremonies.
What is Annai Velankanni Shrine known for?
Annai Velankanni Shrine in Besant Nagar is known for its association with miracles and healing, attracting devotees seeking divine intervention for various challenges and ailments.