St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata
St Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata is the largest cathedral in Kolkata and the first Episcopal Church in Asia. St Paul’s is the Anglican Cathedral of Calcutta and the Metropolitan Church of India. This breathtaking Cathedral is an enticing symbol of Kolkata’s past and present. Explore the deep history and rich landmark heritage of this famous piece of architecture.
The Bishopric of Calcutta was created in 1813, and the first four incumbents of the See-Middleton. Heber, James, and Turner —were enthroned in the old Cathedral Church of St. John’s, which for 32 years remained the Cathedral of the Diocese. A committee was appointed and the foundation stone of St. Paul’s was laid on 8th October 1839. The design and the plan were prepared by Major (afterward General) W. N. Forbes of the Bengal Engineers, the architect of the Calcutta Mint, and carried out under his superintendence.
History of St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata
This is the first Cathedral in the overseas territory of the British Empire. The style of the building is “Indo-Gothic”, adapted to the exigencies of the Indian climate. The St Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata is 247 feet in length, 81 feet in width and 114 feet at the transept. The tower is modeled on the ‘Bell Harry’ Tower of Canterbury Cathedral. The top of flagstaff rises to a height of 175 feet above ground level. The chimes of the clock are very melodious. The great bell bears the inscription-‘Its sound is gone out into all lands.’ During the great earthquake of 12 June 1897, the upper part of the steeple fell, to be later restored; but it was completely destroyed n the earthquake of 1934, after which the tower was constructed in place of the spire. St. Paul’s Cathedral was consecrated by Bishop Wilson on 8th October 1847.
Some Good Experience
As a blogger, we are visiting different places in Kolkata. We went to visit Victoria Memorial. However, cannot stop me to visit the Church again. We used to visit this Church often. It has a very beautiful garden in front of the Church.
We are not allowed to take pictures inside the Cathedral. Instead of a Hindu, I love to visit Cathedrals all over in Kolkata and nearby Kolkata. There are a few stores outside of the main building. A tiny park is there, where we can spend lots of time. People can light a candle for someone outside of the Church. Overall this is a feel of heaven comes down to Earth, a very peaceful, very mind satisfying place to visit.
Church Timing For Visitors
WEEKDAYS (Monday – Saturday):- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
SUNDAYS:- 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
How to reach St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata?
Address – Cathedral Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
From Airport – You can take ola, uber or local taxi to St Paul’s Cathedral at weekend take 1:30 hours and at the weekend it will take 1 hour.
Sealdah Railway Station– You can take a local Bus to St Paul’s Cathedral. It will take 25 to 30 Minutes at the weekend, 45 min to 1 hour on weekdays. or you can take Ola, Uber, local taxi.
Howrah Railway Station:– You can take Ola, Uber, local taxi or local buses are freely available from Howrah Bus Stand or you can take bus to Dharmatala (Esplanade) from there you can take another bus to St Paul’s Cathedral. It will take 1 – 1:15 hrs. to reach St Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata.
By Metro Rail:- Maidan and Rabindra Sadan Metro Stations are the nearest one from the Cathedral.
