St. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL CHURCH - KOLKATA

All over the world there are lots of places to know about especially when it comes to ancient monuments. So, here is another one chosen with detailed notion for you to know about a Church named St. Paul’s Cathedral located in Kolkata.

1. HISTORY:-

This Church is known for its very antic Gothic architecture. The whole building of the Church was completed by 1847.It is said to be the largest Cathedral in Kolkata and the first Episcopal Church in Asia. It is also the first to be built during the overseas territory of British Empire.

The main purpose of replacing St. Johns Church to St. Cathedral Church was the growing European community. As there were many issues during the plan passing of the construction of the Church which lead to lots of consequences later the construction started under the supervision of Bishop Daniel Wilson. All in all a total Cathedral community was built to make this possible.

Finally it took eight years for the complete building of the Church to be standing as we see it today.

2. STRUCTURE:-

Cathedral Church was built in a Gothic design along with modern construction element, including an iron framework. It was built with a chancel, a sanctuary, chapels and a 201 feet (61 m) tall spire; the cost of construction of the edifice was then Rs. 4,35,669. The cathedral can accommodate 800 to 1,000 people.The architectural design of the cathedral is "Indo-Gothic", a Gothic architectural style designed to meet the climatic conditions of India. The cathedral complex has a library, situated over the western porch, and a display of Plastic art forms and memorabilia.

3. LOCATION:-

The building is on Cathedral road on the "Island of Attractions" in Kolkata. The cathedral is across the Bishop's House on 51, Chowringhee Road, in a direct line sight from the Victoria Memorial.

The cathedral is located to the east of the Victoria Memorial also at the southern edge of the Maidan.

4. TRAGEDY:-

After the Church got a total beautiful shape a natural disaster took place. In the 1897 Cathedral suffered damage and was refurbished. However, in the subsequent massive earthquake of 1934, when Calcutta was devastated, the Cathedral's steeple tower collapsed. Lately the lines of the Cathedral Church were rebuilt.

5. TIMINGS:-

Time Required: 1-2 hrs.

Open Time: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM,

 Sunday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM.

Cost: No entry fee.

6. TRAVEL:-

As it is in the “Island of Attraction” of Kolkata that itself makes it easier for tourists to reach their destination. 

The most convenient would be metro to travel by and get down in Maidan, Park Street or RabindraSadan because these are the nearest stations towards the Church. Other than that innumerable buses and cabs services are available any time.

So, come up and explore this beautiful Church and find peace of heart and mind.

By IsitaThapa, 27 January, 2019.