All of us Insta-sick people have been yearning to travel for almost an eternity now. That Euro trip you and your gang had planned seems like a distant dream, and even that mandatory Goa trip. All you architecture and history buffs must not lose heart though. No, really. Our country is truly blessed with stunning churches inspired by European architecture. Bengaluru too is home to some impressive ones that stand as a testimony to the city&rsquos colonial past.
The city has reopened its religious places from June 8, as part of easing of COVID-19 restrictions by the central government. While temples and mosques are welcoming visitors already, the Archdiocese of Bengaluru has decided to open churches from June 13. The idea is to buy time and educate visitors about the new norms to contain the spread of the novel virus.
Here are six churches you can visit in the garden city.
St. Patrick&rsquos Church
Situated on the ever-bustling Brigade Road, this Church is almost 180 years old. Initially it was called the &ldquoChurch of Assumption&rsquo. However, Irish troops stationed in the nearby areas named it St. Patrick&rsquos after Ireland&rsquos patron saint, even before its completion. The Adoration Chapel here is conducive to some much-needed soul searching and meditation.
St. Andrew&rsquos Church
Located on Cubbon Road, the over 150-year old St. Andrew&rsquos Church has to be the most gorgeous cathedral of Bengaluru. Surrounded by rich flora which includes Indian tulip, tamarind, Ashoka, jacaranda, jamun, silver oak and sandalwood trees, the church offers a soulful experience. Inside, stained glass windows of saintly figures add to its beauty.
St. Mary&rsquos Basilica Church
One of the oldest churches of Bengaluru, St. Mary&rsquos Basilica dates back to 1875. The history of its origin goes back to the 17th century when some Christians from Tamil Nadu&rsquos Ginjee had come to Bengaluru. Designed by a French architect, the facade of the church stands 160 feet high. The pièce de résistance here is the impressive six feet high statue of Mother Marry holding Jesus in her arms.
Infant Jesus Church
Raised in 1971, the Infant Jesus Church in Vivek Nagar is one of the most popular churches in town. Its foundation was laid by Rev. Dr. S.Lourduswamy, the then archbishop of Bengaluru. Designed by architects Thomas Associates, the fan-shaped structure stands as a fine specimen of contemporary church architecture.
Sacred Heart Church
The Sacred Heart Church on Richmond Road is one of the relatively new cathedrals of the city. It is surrounded by the Sacred Heart Boy&rsquos School on one side and an old cemetery on the other.
All Saint&rsquos Cathedral
Just a stone&rsquos throw away from the Sacred Heart Church is the All Saint&rsquo Cathedral. At first glance, it looks a lot like a newly-built quaint mansion, but the Gothic structure actually dates back to 1870. Do take permission before taking pictures of the building.
