Christianity as a religion came into existence in the 1st AD. The religion considered Jesus Christ, as their Christ and start worshipping him in the Churches in Mumbai. The churches were then established with domes and a figure of Jesus Christ, hung on the cross, after his death. As Christians, they were hugely inspired by Roman architecture and established their churches based on that style. The sacred book of the people following the Christian religion is the Bible. It talks about the teachings of the followers of Jesus Christ, and about the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. Christianity as a religion was not that common in the initial phase. However, during the period of the renaissance, Christianity grew and more and more people started following the preaching of Jesus Christ.
10 Important Churches to Visit in Mumbai:
Here is a Top 10 List of Churches in Mumbai:
1. Afghan Church, Navy Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai:
Afghan church was earlier known as the St. John’s church and is built in a naval base. The architecture of the church is inspired by the Victoriana era. The church embarks on its glory by being built in memory of all the naval men, who died while fighting for the nation. The largest church in Mumbai has got glasses that are stained and the West window is the major attraction for all the people, coming to witness the beauty of the church. Marked in the memory of all the brave men of the empire, it will cater to your need for tranquillity.
- Church Days: Only Sunday
- Timings: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Location: Navy Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai
- How to Reach: Bus no. 123, 106 and 137 are available from the Church-gate station. Bus no 103 from CST. You can also take a cab.
- Celebration Days: Sunday masses are held weekly.
- Other Attractions: Close by is Colaba causeway market, you can indulge in some street shopping. Or you can go for a biking spree.
2. Mt. Mary Church, Mt. Mary Road, Bandra, Mumbai:
Mt. Mary church built in remembrance of Virginia Mary is considered to be really auspicious by the devotees. It’s said that here in this church, all your wishes come true. The devotees roaming around the world come here to pay their regards to Virgin Mary. This is one of the most alluring churches in Navi Mumbai of the city and is considered a hot spot for witnessing the beautiful sunset. The architecture of the church is based on the British style.
- Church Days: Open daily
- Church Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Location: Mt. Mary Road, Bandra, Mumbai
- How to Reach: You can take a bus or a train from the central station and get down at Bandra station. Take a rickshaw or taxi too.
- Celebration Day: Try to visit the place during the Bandra fair, when a lot of festivities are going on around the church.
- Other Attractions: You can take a look at the sea link or roam around in Bandra market.
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3. Portuguese Church, S.K Bole Road, Dadar, Mumbai.
Portuguese church also is known as the Our Lady of Salvation church. Originally the church was constructed in the year 1596. After that, the reconstruction of the church happened, which was carried out by the famous architect Charles Correa. Again, the church was renovated as it was unable to accommodate its devotees. Now, the church can hold up to 1000 people and has got standing as well as seating arrangements. The church is called the Portuguese church as it was built by the Portuguese people in the early stage of existence.
- Church Days: Open every day
- Church Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Location: S.K. Bole Road, Dadar East, Mumbai.
- How to Reach: You can take a bus or a train to Dadar station. You can hire a taxi or a rickshaw.
- Celebration Days: Sunday feasts are really famous here.
- Other Attractions: You can take a walk and spend some quality time with your family at Shivaji Park or you can visit the famous Siddhivinayak temple.
4. Wodehouse Church, Colaba, Mumbai:
The Wodehouse church also known as the Cathedral of the Holy name showcases the true beauty of the colonial era. The church represents the Archbishop of the archdiocese and still holds the importance and the vibrancy. The doors of this church have been marked as the Holy door of mercy and will be pure for the Christians. It will signify the pilgrimage for Christians. The church in South Mumbai is held by the parish community and is being catered to all the needs of the priests.
- Church Days: Open on the weekdays, except on Sundays.
- Church Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Location: Nathalal Parekh Marg, Colaba, Mumbai.
- How to Reach: You can take a bus or a train. Or you can directly hire a taxi.
- Celebration Days: Christmas eve mass is really famous.
- Other Attractions: You can take a tour of the famous market, Colaba Causeway.
5. St. Anthony Church, Vakola, Santacruz East, Mumbai:
St. Anthony church doesn’t hold that much importance in the touristy spots of Mumbai, it is considered as one of the most serene spots in the city. It is an old building was inspired by British architecture and is constructed on the streets of Vakola that is full of hustle and bustle of city life. The main motive of the people of the new city church Mumbai is to follow the religion with love and to cater to the services of the people.
- Church Days: Open every day.
- Church Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Location: Vakola Street, Santacruz East, Mumbai.
- How to Reach: You can reach there by local train or bus. Or you can hire a taxi
- Celebration Day: Sundays for the masses.
- Other Attractions: You can take a look at the sea link or wander off in the Bhimnath temple. You can take up cycling activities or visit the famous Prithvi theatre.
6. St. Thomas Church, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Mumbai:
St Thomas Church has great importance in the history of India and in the development of the culture of Christianity. The church was built in remembrance of the 12th disciple of Christ st. Thomas, and was built in the initial stage of the settlement of Britishers in India. The church has got numerous embellishments and is a leaning tower that talks about peace and tranquillity. While the church was being built, it gave the Britishers during their settlement in India hope for growing adaptation to the country.
- Church Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Church Days: Open every day.
- Location: Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Mumbai.
- How to Reach: You can take a bus or a train. You can hire a taxi to Fort.
- Celebration Day: Sunday communion here is really famous.
- Other Attractions: You can visit marine drive or shop at Fort street shop. You can also visit MG road or the fashion street. Close to the Horniman statue, you can take a walk in the park as well.
7. Mother Mary Church, Bandra, Mumbai:
The mother Mary church is considered to be an auspicious church for the followers of Virginia Mary. The church is considered to be an auspicious sight where every September the birthday of Mother Mary is celebrated and is one of the most famous churches in Bandra Mumbai. The church doors are considered holy.
- Church Days: Open every day
- Church Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Location: Bandra, Mumbai
- How to Reach: You can get there by train or bus. You can also hire a taxi or take a rickshaw.
- Celebrations: 8th September is the feast day every year, marking the birthday of Mother Mary.
- Other Attractions: When you are at Bandra you can witness the sea link or roam around the Bandra market, for some street shopping. You can visit chow patty as well, for some street feast.
8. The Basilica of Mary Church, Bandra, Mumbai:
The Basilica of Mary church is a famous church in the Bandra area of Mumbai. It is famous for Mother Mary and is a Roman Catholic Church. It is considered one of the most faithful churches and draws a lot of devotees from around the world. It is built above sea level and gives an amazing view of the city at the time of sunset.
- Church Days: It is open every day.
- Church Timings: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Location: Bandra, Mumbai
- How to Reach: You can take a train or a bus. You can even hire a cab there or a rickshaw.
- Celebrations: Every Sunday, there is a mass held.
- Other Attractions: Roam in the streets of Bandra and watch the beautiful sunset from the location of the Church.
9. St Anne’s Church, Mazgaon, Mumbai:
Initially, St Anne’s was not a church, but a chapel. Then American women, who was a strong follower of Christianity, converted the chapel into a church. It is situated in the Mazgaon region of Mumbai and can offer you the architecture of the British era of arches and domes. You can see that the glass windows are painted in different colours. This is one of the Telugu churches in Mumbai.
- Church Days: It is open every day.
- Church Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Location: Byculla Road, Mazgaon, Mumbai.
- How to Reach: You can reach by bus, train or you can hire a taxi. You can also take a rickshaw. The best thing to do would be to hire a cab, as it is a little on the outskirts.
- Celebrations: Visit the church on Christmas day. This week is a full-time celebration.
- Other Attractions: Mazgaon is more of a picnic spot, so you can have a nice full day tour here.
10. St John Baptist Church, Andheri East, Mumbai:
The St. John Baptist Church is a must visit and is a beauty to the eyes of the beholder if you are looking for something that existed in the Ancient era only, do visit the church. The church got demolished in the English era and after that, only ruins were left of the church. It will give you a true experience of the architecture of that era.
- Church Days: The church is open every day.
- Church Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Location: Andheri East, Mumbai.
- How to Reach: You can take a train or a bus. You can also hire also taxi or also rickshaw.
- Celebrations: Christmas day is celebrated very well and the entire street is lit up with the celebrations of Christmas.
- Other Attractions: Andheri has some amazing areas to chill and grab a bite of good food, Amazing cafes,and pubs.
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Frequently Asked Question And Answers:
1. Is there any entry fee for the tourists visiting the church?
Ans: Churches are a place to worship and they are also a place for sightseeing. So as a tourist if you are planning to visit the churches of Mumbai, there is no entry fee. However, there might be a nominal entry fee at some of the churches. In fact, you can take part in their celebrations and have some yummy feasts there without any cost. So, indulge in the beauty of churches and witness the true serenity.
2. In order to take a look at these churches, how can get some tours and travel and is it mandatory to get a tour guide?
Ans: When you are visiting the churches, you can either step in on your own or you can just take a tour guide. A tour guide will help you understand the history of the church and the architecture in and better way. They will be able to give you some insights into the detailed history of the churches. Just go online and you will be able to browse through a number of tour guides to visit various churches at some affordable package prices.
3. Is photography permitted in the Mumbai churches?
Ans: Yes you can click amazing pictures at the church but pictures inside the church are prohibited. Even if you are clicking pictures inside the church, just ask the authorities if they will give you permission to click just one picture. However, outside the church, you can click some beautiful pictures.
In a nutshell, if you take one visit to the churches of Mumbai you will fall in love with the architecture and the beautiful, coloured glass windows. Visiting a church will give you additional knowledge of the culture of the Christians and will help you decipher their proceedings. If you liked the feedback of the churches then so share feedback so that we can bring such good articles in the future. Have fun while touring around these churches and unleash the historian within you.
