Churches in India have got a lot of influence from the western world, thanks to the colonial rulers. Portuguese came to India and brought with them the Latin cultural heritage, which one can very well witness in Goa. But the churches of Old Goa are something one won't be able to forget ever. Enriched with intricate designs and beautiful interiors these churches tell you the stories of the Portuguese glory and endless devotion.

In Pondicherry, French made an impact that can be seen even today. Kerala has Dutch architecture very much in common in their churches. Not leaving the British behind Christ Church and St. Michael's Church in Himachal Pradesh is the one of the biggest attraction of the capital, Shimla.

Churches in Goa

The most comprehensive group of churches and cathedrals built during 16th to 17th century AD at Old Goa comprise of the Se' Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus; Church of Lady of Rosary; Church of St. Augustine.

The Church of St. Cajetan is modelled on the original design of St. Peter's Church in Rome. The Church of Bom Jesus with its facade decorated with Ionic, Doric and Corinthian pilasters, shows the application of the Classical order. The Se' Cathedral, with its Tuscan exterior, the Corinthian columns at its portals, the raised platform with steps leading to the entrance, the barrel-vault above the nave, is yet another example of Renaissance.

The paintings in the churches were done on wooden borders and fixed between panels having floral designs as in the chapels housing the tomb of St. Xavier, the arches above the altars in the transept of the Se' Cathedral and in the nave on either side of the main altar in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Excepting a few which are in stone, the statues are mostly in wood delicately carved and painted to adorn the altars. They depict mostly the saints, Mother Mary and Jesus on the cross.

Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral, H.P.
The most prominent building on the famous Mall of Shimla is the yellow Christ Church, reputed to be the second oldest church in northern India. It still has those lovely stained glass windows for which it is so famed.

Se Cathedral, Goa
Se Cathedral is the largest church among the group of churches in Old Goa. It took eighty years to build this church, but it was not consecrated until 1640.

Church of St Francis of Assisi, Goa
This church is the former palace of the Archbishop that connects the Se Cathedral to the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The exterior of the Church is of the Tuscan order while the main entrance is in Manuline style.

Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala
The Santa Cruz Basilica is a historic church that was built by the Portuguese. The church was elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558 AD. In 1795 AD, it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Cochin and was demolished.

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