4 Age-Old Churches to Visit on Your Next Trip to Pondicherry

Pondicherry, now known as Puducherry; is not only known for its beaches, and excellent south Indian food but its finest architecture as well. Whether you are taking a walk down the fabled bougainvillaea draped French townhouses, leisurely threading barefoot on the beaches of Auroville, or exploring the many museums dispersed around the area and admiring artefacts salvaged from an archaeological site; Pondicherry has a unique magnetism to it.

Now, if you intend to reserve your Pondicherry trip package, you may have already curated an itinerary of the famous places you would want to visit. However, Pondicherry is much more than just cobblestone walkways with mustard yellow houses of the white town and crystal clear beaches.

As part of its year-end festivals and festivities, the splendid Roman Catholic and Pentecostal churches in Pondicherry draw large crowds of tourists that are on par with some of the European castles in terms of grandeur. Everyone who has been to Pondicherry will attest that the city's churches, in particular, steal the show.

Each Pondicherry church has a unique beauty of its own. The country, which has been colonised by several nations has signs of different styles including Methodist, Pentecostal, and Roman Catholic buildings to name a few. As a result, they differ in terms of architectural styles and constructions.

This blog lists 4 of the most visited cathedrals and Churches in Pondicherry that have an age-old beauty to them. These churches serve as the town's cultural centres and are an essential component of them. Learn about the magnificent French architecture of these cathedrals, which will undoubtedly find a place in your hearts and souls.

Find below, a list of churches in Pondicherry that stand so remarkably that it would be a shame to miss the chance to visit them. Let us go explore each one separately.

Notre Dame Des Anges Church

Also known as Our Lady of Angels Church, it is the most famous church in Pondicherry. The original structure was built in 1855 by Napoleon the third and painted white from both inside and outside.

Presently considered the fourth oldest white chapel in the union territory, this church in Pondicherry boasts a strong influence from Basilica at Lourdes in France and Notre Dame de Paris in Paris.

The church was constructed using Greco-Roman style architecture, which is recognised for its unparalleled grandeur, clearly defined columns, and iconic beauty.

This Pondicherry church, which has an old-world elegance and overlooks the Bay of Bengal, is frequented by both locals and visitors. Because of this location's allure, not only tourists but locals as well could not help but pay a visit.

It is the only church in ondicherry that offers services in three different languages: French, Tamil, and English. Along with daily services, this Church in Pondicherry also observes hourly prayers.

Mass Timings:

This French church in Pondicherry remains open every day of the year without changing its hours. However, the masses' timings differ as per the language

French - Monday & Wednesday - 6:15 am
Tuesday & Friday - 6:30 am

Saturday - 5 pm
Sunday - 7:30 am & 5:15 pm

Tamil -  Thursday - 6:15 am
Saturday - 5 pm
Sunday - 6 am

English - Saturday - 5 pm
Sunday - 8:30 am

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The 110-year-old Sacred Heart Basilica in Pondicherry is a holy site for all Roman Catholic Christians. With its red and white structure that grabs the attention of many watchers and bystanders, this oriental example of Gothic architecture and Corinthian columns will leave you mesmerised.

This Pondicherry church is located on the south boulevard of the Union territory and is one of the most famous churches in Pondicherry and a Christian pilgrim spot.

Above the entrance of this church in Pondicherry is a Latin rite that reads "sanctificavi locum istum, ut sit nomen meum ibi" which means "I have consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there forever.”

Also, it has stained window glass panels that feature stories from the life of Jesus Christ and the saints of the Catholic Church.

Visitors are completely transported to a mystical world by the breathtaking church's serene, composed, and lovely atmosphere. Overall, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the Pondicherry tourist attractions that are worthy of visitors' attention.

Mass Timings:

Church remains open on all days throughout the year. However, the mass timings differ on weekends.

Mondays to Saturdays - 5:30 am, 12: 30 pm, and 6 pm
Sunday - 5:30 am, 7:30 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm. With a mass in the Tamil language at 6:15 in the evening.

Church of Our Lady of Good Health

Also known as the Ariyankuppam Church, this church in Pondicherry stands in the rural area of Ariyankuppam. Influenced by French style and architecture, this Pondicherry church was established in 1690 and is currently one of the places of pilgrimage and tourist attractions in Pondicherry.

This magnificent church, which is painted a vivid yellow and white, has had numerous renovations and reconstructions since it was built, but it still stands majestically with many of the original structure's components still there.

One of the oldest surviving Roman Catholic churches and a revered shrine to Mary is this French-style church in Pondicherry.

In addition, the church hosts a number of festivals and events that annually draw large crowds of tourists. Be sure to visit the church on the “feast day” if you're in Pondicherry in September.

Overall, it is one of those surreal places that will give you an experience where everything inside of you calms down and you are present in the moment.

Mass Timings:

The Church of Our Lady of Good Health is open all days of the week with different mass timings.

Weekdays (Expect Thursdays) - 6 am
Thursday - 5:30 pm
Saturday - 6 am & 5:30 pm
Sunday - 7:30 am

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes 

Built in 1877, this Parish church is a famous Mother Mary shrine located some 9 km away from the centre of Pondicherry.

This Roman Catholic Church in Pondicherry is one of the many respected Mother Mary shrines in the city of Villianur, and it has a long history.

Influenced by Basilica in France, it is one of the revered shrines in Pondicherry. Besides the shrine, the sacred water pond is this church's main attraction, which is believed to show miraculous healing abilities to cure the sick and bring good fortune to people who take a dip in it. It is the only Catholic Church in Asia with a sacred pond in front of the church.

This Pondicherry church is not only linked to France for being the only church dedicated to the name of Our Lady of Lourdes outside France but also because the French government gave the church a statue of Mother Mary after it had been built for a year.

Mass Timings:

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes remains open all days with different mass timings.

Weekdays - 6 am
1st Saturday - 6 am, 11:30 am, and 6 pm
Sunday - 6 am, and 7:30 am

Being major tourist attractions and symbols of religion, these cathedrals embrace their historical, architectural design which is a testament to the builder's creativity. Take a stroll down to Pondicherry and see these stunning cathedrals and churches for a spellbinding experience.

If you liked reading this blog about the churches in Pondicherry, be sure to check out this blog on the museum in Pondicherry which you can bookmark for ready reference whenever you visit there.