Tour O Travel

Chennai has about 120 churches. Here we will discuss about six famous Chennai church. There are many tour operators such as storytrails who organize those offbeat city tours by auto – new initiative taken by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.

1) On St. Thomas hill, an enjoyable place for trekking, there is an unexpectedly austere church – a square white structure with two mandatory side wings. There is no imposing spire or vaulting nave. It’s a simple almost drab place. St. Thomas the apostle preached and was killed here. Inside the church, two things stand out – the first is carved granite cross at the altar, which is known as the Thomas Cross and the second one is an ancient oil Madonna and child. It is believed that it is the one of those seven painted by St. Luke. The walls are decorated with paintings of apostles and their various gory deaths.

2) Luz church was built in 1516 and it is the oldest church in Chennai. It has faded wall and a struggling garden. It is simple, peaceful and almost like home. It is judging by the fading plaques, once perhaps a private chapel for a family named De Frieze many centuries ago.

3) St. Thomas Basilica church is beautiful. It is unbearably white in sunshine. The church architecture is excellent. It reflects the sculpture of new political and economic fortunes of the next generation of colonists. The original modest Portuguese effort was replaced by the British. This church has a beautiful Gothic structure, stained glass, vaulting roofs and majestic nave. The apostles on the walls are confident and handsome. But in that intriguing pastiche true of almost all churches in south India, lotuses and peacocks and tulsi garlands abound.

4) St. Mary Church is a clear picture of moving from Roman Catholic church to Anglican church. It looks like fort. It was built by the soldiers in Fort St. George in 1680. It’s roofs and walls are bomb proof. It’s inside is full of historical incidents. Robert Clive lived next door here. It is historic for Elihu Yale’s  marriage and Charnok’s daughter’s burial ground.

5) Armenian church is a white facade and Dutch gable in Georgetown. It has spacious ground, a squat belfry in the middle. It is ancient, built in 1772 by American merchants. The belfry houses six beautiful bells which still peal each morning to summon the faithful – one solitary Armenian family who double as caretakers. 6) St. Andrew’s Kirk is presbyterian and beautiful. It has neo classical columns in the portico and completely complemented by the excellent circular nave inside, supported by 16 fluted corinthian pillars and topped by a blue dome painted with stars representing a constellation seen from Scottish skies. It is a beautiful and peaceful place.

Tour operator information – This chennai church tour is called ‘Steepy Chase’ and is organised by Storytrails India, 34, North Usman Road, Chennai – 17 Phone – 044-42124214, Mobile – 9884040102, on weekends from 8.30AM to 12.30 PM at Rs 795 per head.

Tags: chennai hotels, chennai tourism, chennai travel, church chennai, church in chennai, churches, churches in chennai, madras chennai, tamil, Tamil Nadu

This entry was posted on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 7:54 am and is filed under Tamil Nadu. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.