Top 10 Biggest Churches In India in 2023

Churches are a significant part of Christianity and have been used to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. Although Christianity has been around for a long time in India, it is still not a widely practiced religion. In 2014-15, the percentage of Christians in India was only 2.3%. This article will look at some of the most stunning and largest churches in India.

1. St Francis Church, Kerala

St Francis Church is the oldest European church in Asia, dating back to 1661 when it was constructed by the Portuguese. It is visited by thousands of people each year and is the place where explorer Vasco da Gama took his last breath in 1524. It is also one of the oldest churches in India, and it was due to da Gama's efforts that Christianity was spread to India, Africa, and Europe. On his third visit, his body was laid to rest in the church, though his remains were later sent to Lisbon after 14 years. Tourists from all around the world travel to the church to view da Gama's tombstone, which has been altered structurally by the British and Dutch to its current state.

2. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is renowned around the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most famous churches in India, particularly for its oldest bell tower in Asia. Construction on the church began in 1594 and it was consecrated in 1605, making it one of the oldest churches in India and a must-see for any tourist visiting the city.

3. Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu

The Velankanni Church in Tamil Nadu, India is a renowned Christian church with a long history that dates back to the 16th century. It is often referred to as the "Lourdes of the East" because of its popularity among Catholics. The church is a beautiful addition to the Velankanni seaside town and is one of the oldest churches in southern India.

4. St Paul Cathedral, West Bengal

This church is a sight to behold, renowned for its Gothic architecture. It was erected in 1847, and is the first Episcopal Church built in Asia. The stained glass windows are spectacular, and the frescoes and paintings within add to its beauty. This church is also an engineering masterpiece, and the sunlight filtering through its curved glass panes is heavenly. It is a must-see destination, and a holy place for prayer. This church was built to replace St. John's Church, which had become too small to accommodate the increasing number of European settlers in Kolkata.

5. St Catherine Church, Goa

Goa is renowned for its churches, and St Catherine Church is a remarkable representation of this. Constructed by the Portuguese to commemorate their victory over a Muslim army in 1512 when they seized Goa, the cathedral also houses a massive bell known as the "Brilliant Bell" which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Its architecture is a combination of Tuscan style on the outside, and Corinthian on the inside. It was built in 1619 in the Manueline style. The church, being one of the largest in India, is mainly dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria and has various works of art.

6. Sacred Heart Church, Shimoga

It is one of the largest churches in Telangana state. Medak Cathedral was established on 25th December 1925 and renovated by British Wesleyan Methodists. Medak Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop in Medak for the Church of South India. 

The cathedral is 100 feet (30 meters) wide and 200 feet (61 meters) long and conforms to the Gothic Revival style. It can accommodate up to 5,000 people at one time, putting it on the list of the biggest churches in India. The mosaic tiles were brought from Britain and are made up of six different colors. Italian masons from Bombay were hired for laying the decorative floor. Massive pillars built with finely hewn and well-dressed grey stones support the gallery and the entire building. The main attraction of the Cathedral is its stained glass windows depicting various scenes from Christ’s life. These include the Ascension behind the altar, the Nativity on the west side, and the Crucifixion on its east side.

7. Medak Cathedral, Telangana

Medak Cathedral is one of the most famous churches located in Telangana, India. It was inaugurated on 25 December 1925 and was renovated by British Wesleyan Methodists. It is the seat of the Bishop of Medak for the Church of South India. With a width of 100 feet (30 meters) and a length of 200 feet (61 meters), the cathedral is capable of accommodating up to 5000 people at once, making it one of the largest churches in India. The mosaic tiles used to decorate the floor were imported from Britain and consist of six different colors. Italian masons from Bombay were employed to lay the floor. The building is supported by large pillars made of finely crafted grey stones. The stained glass windows depicting various scenes from Jesus' life are the main attraction of the Cathedral, such as the Ascension behind the altar, the Nativity on the west side, and the Crucifixion on the east side.

8. Vallarpadam Church, Kerala

Vallarpadam Basilica is a prominent Catholic shrine in India and people from all around the world, regardless of their caste or religion, flock to the Church to receive the blessing of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, also known as “Vallarpadathamman”. The Basilica is situated next to Bolgatty Island on the west side, connected to the mainland through the new Gokkara bridges, and it stretches for 3.5 kilometers (2.2 mi) in the north-south direction. This area is home to around 10,000 people, and Vallarpadam is located just 1 km (½ mile) away on Ernakulam island.

9. San Thome Basilica, Tamil Nadu

San Thome Basilica is one of only three churches in existence which were constructed directly over the burial place of a follower of Jesus. The other two are St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. Its current form was constructed by the Portuguese on the grave of Thomas the Apostle. The rib vault ceiling is made of teakwood with 16 windows and 34 stained glass panels. The main glass window depicts "Saint Thomas Touching The Wound Of Jesus Christ".

10. House of God of Our Lady of the Rosary, Kunkuri

Kunkuri Church, which is among the largest churches in India, is located in the Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. It was constructed by Stanislas Tiggo, a former religious leader. Brother Joseph Toppo began the development of this church, and upon his passing Fr. Manuinsant SJ took charge of the building. In 1979, Bishop Francis Ekka officially inaugurated it. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Jashpur looks after the Divine of Our Lady Of The Rosary.