Mumbai is an archaeological trove of historical and cultural artefacts, from its film district to its beaches, museums, classical architecture, ancient Parsi and colonial homes, and more. And true to its rich cultural history, churches in Mumbai have stood the test of time, bearing testament to the city's rich architectural history. A universe bound together by preservation and profound belief, they stand calmly apart from the surrounding glass-and-steel towers, tumultuous bazaars, and bustling roadways. The churches in Mumbai symbolise the harmonious coexistence of the natural and the man-made, as well as the ethnic and the colonial. That is why the skyscrapers stand in stark contrast to the verdant Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Let's explore the very remarkable churches in Mumbai that exude an aura of serene beauty and tranquillity.
St. Thomas, Horniman Circle
The cathedral, which is dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle—heralded as the first Christian missionary to India—has been honoured with the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award and is one of the most iconic churches in Mumbai It is comparable to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in that it has a clock tower, flying buttresses in the Gothic style, and Victorian stained-glass windows. An interesting piece of trivia- the cathedral was the Zero Point milestone from which all distances in Mumbai were measured when it was erected.
Mount Mary's Church
Mount Mary Basilica, formally known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, is one of the most prominent churches in Mumbai with a distinctly colonial appearance. The brown-brick structure has two towers, each topped with a Latin cross, and characteristic pointed arches. Notable features include a high round-arch ceiling, brilliant blue walls, a black-and-white chequered floor, lively paintings, a rather realistic sculpture of the Last Supper, and Corinthian pillars with exquisitely carved capitals. In addition, the main altar, which has a figure of the Virgin Mary on a seven-stepped pedestal and is housed beneath a ribbed-vaulted ceiling, is just breathtaking.
Church Of Our Lady Of Salvation, Dadar
The Church of Our Lady of Salvation, sometimes called the Portuguese Church, was rebuilt in the 1970s by the renowned architect Charles Correa and features a skylight in the baptistery designed by the legendary MF Hussain. Its distinctive Gothic architecture makes it so iconic that it has become a common point of reference when locals in Mumbai give directions! The Portuguese Franciscans founded this church in 1596 and gave it the name Nossa Senhora da Salvaçao; it is one of the oldest churches in Mumbai.
St Michael's Church
St. Michal's Church, the city's oldest Christian site of worship, was supposedly built between 1512 and 1585. The Mughal ruler Aurangzeb invaded in 1687 and caused significant damage, but it was quickly restored. After the porch collapsed in the 1960s, the new structure was completed in 1973. Although this well-known Mumbai church is plain and unadorned, the tranquillity you'd experience within more than compensates for its lack of beauty. Even as late as 2008, members of the congregation beheld a painting of Christ's bleeding heart in this particular church! Of all the churches in Mumbai, it is no surprise that it ranks at the very top.
The Church Of Gloria
The Franciscans from Portugal originally built Gloria Church, also known as Our Lady of Glory Church, in a style typical of their homeland. However, the current Victorian Gothic structure that stands in place of this Mumbai church was reconstructed at a later date. Its tall towers are visible from a great distance, so you won't have to worry about its location if you're not familiar with it. A marble sculpture of Jesus Christ greets visitors at the entrance and extends an invitation to come inside. This church would be immediately recognisable to anyone who has seen Rockstar or Amar Akbar Anthony. Its interior is primarily white, with colourful stained-glass windows and saint sculptures atop pillars enhancing its aesthetic value.