Kolkata, Destinations

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral

Amazing Facts about St. Paul's Cathedral - "A magnificent monument of Kolkata's colonial past"

St. Paul's Cathedral is a historic Anglican cathedral in Kolkata. It is one of Kolkata's most iconic and recognizable landmarks and a popular tourist destination. The cathedral was built in the Indo-Gothic architectural style and opened in 1847. The cathedral has a striking facade with two massive towers and a central dome surrounded by four smaller domes. It has a beautifully finished wooden pulpit, stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and a large seating area for regular services, special events, and occasions.

St. Paul's Cathedral has a rich history and witnessed many important events, such as the burial of Sir William Jones, a famous scholar of Indian languages ​​and culture, and the installation of the first Indian Bishop of Kolkata, Bishop Azariah, in 1921. The Cathedral is integral to Kolkata's cultural and architectural heritage and a must-visit for all history and architecture buffs.

The History of St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the mid-19th century. The cathedral was built in the 1830s and 1840s to replace an earlier church built on the same site. The new cathedral was designed by William Nairn Forbes, a British architect inspired by England's Norwich Cathedral. Construction began in 1839, and the cathedral was inaugurated in 1847. The cathedral witnessed many important events throughout its history. In 1857, during the Indian Rebellion, the cathedral was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

In 1902, it was the wedding place of Lady Curzon, wife of the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The Cathedral was also the final resting place of many famous people. Sir William Jones, a scholar of Indian languages ​​and culture, was buried in the cathedral in 1794. Other notable burials include Bishop James Wilson, the first bishop of Kolkata, and John Paxton Norman, a British civil servant who played a vital role during the cathedral's construction. Over the years, the Cathedral has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. Today, it is one of the main attractions of Kolkata and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its magnificent architecture and rich history.

Ideal Time to Visit​

All Season

Ideal Duration​

1-2 Hours

How to Reach

By Road: All means of transport, including public and private transport, are easily accessible.

By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Sealdah.

By Air: Nearest Airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

Distance from Nearest Railway Station / Airport

5.3 Km from Sealdah Railway Station and 21.8 Km from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

Weather Report of Kolkata

KOLKATA WEATHER

Location of St. Paul's Cathedral

Places to Visit Near St. Paul's Cathedral

  • Victoria Memorial Hall
  • Howrah Bridge
  • Indian Museum
  • Science City Park(Akash)
  • Eden Gardens
  • James Prinsep Ghat
  • M.P. Birla Planetarium
  • Fort William, India
  • St. Paul's Cathedral
  • Belur Math
  • Alipore Zoological Garden
  • Maidan
  • Birla Mandir
  • Dakshineswar Kali Temple
  • Nicco Park
  • Jorasanko Thakurbari
  • Eco Park, Newtown
  • Marble Palace
  • Millennium Park
  • Rabindra Sarobar
  • Kalighat Kali Temple
  • Kumartuli
  • Aquatica Water Park
  • Elliot Park
  • Babughat
  • Nandan (West Bengal Film Centre)
  • Indian Botanic Garden
  • Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan
  • Shaheed Minar
  • Mother's Wax Museum
  • Royal Calcutta Golf Club
  • ISKCON Kolkata
  • Raj Bhavan
  • Netaji Bhawan
  • Swami Vivekananda's Ancestral House and Cultural Centre

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