If you are traveling Kolkata, you cannot miss the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral. Standing tall at 247 feet (75.3 meters) high, it looks surreal in appearance. This white-colored cathedral is the first in India, and is rich in history, culture, and religious relevance. Being one of the landmarks of Kolkata for more than one and a half-century, it is also the most excellent example of Gothic Revival-style of architecture, which has withstood two earthquakes so far. This colossal building, with its central tower inspired by Canterbury Cathedral’s Bell Harry Tower, reminds you of the colonial times. It also resembles the Norwich Cathedral with three Gothic stained glass windows, along with two frescoes in Florentine Renaissance-style, built over eight years and opened in 1847. For more information, check out our guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata, India.
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Things to do / Highlights
This first Episcopalian cathedral in Asia, will not only awe you with its magnificent exteriors, but also with the ambiance inside. The cathedral has a serene atmosphere and a sense of calm that pervades every corner, drifting you away from the worldly worries or chaotic noises. With this peaceful mindset taking you back to more than seventeen decades of history, there are many things to do, which are listed below.
Meditate
With a special meditation point where great and common people have meditated for more than one and half a century, it provides the right stillness for you to meditate and make your mind free.
Marvel at the rare books
Bishop Wilson did not only stand firm in building the cathedral, but also donated his collection of rare books to it. The library with all his books is above the western porch, along with a marble bust of the Bishop.
Relax in the lawn
After marveling at the Gothic architecture of the cathedral, you can relax in the well-maintained lovely lawns all around the cathedral.
Check out the splendid sculptures
Check many memorials and sculptures inside the cathedral, including the “Episcopal Throne”, reredos or an ornament wall, and others.
Learn about the life and times of Saint Paul
There are many things in the cathedral that portray the holy deeds of Saint Paul. It includes the pictures, posters, documents, and the reredos with carvings depicting the life and times of Saint Paul.
Enjoy the paintings
Centuries-old paintings are always a delight even if you are not an art lover. Sir Arthur Blomfield’s paintings are a treat for the eyes, including the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt.
The magic of Christmas
Built to accommodate the increasing Christians from Britain during the 1700s, when they first landed on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Kolkata, as there was no cathedral in India at the time. It is the first cathedral in India, which was a gift to thousands of Christians in the country. Hence the Christmas here is special and the entire cathedral, its garden and surrounding streets are bathed in dazzling lights. Watching the cathedral from most parts of Kolkata at Christmas is a wonderful site. Also, the midnight mass during Christmas and New Year is magical!
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Travel tips
Best time to visit
Early morning when the cathedral opens at 7:30am on Sundays, it is the best time to enjoy the stillness and the ambiance inside the cathedral. Also, during winter - especially days before Christmas - it is a spectacle to watch. However, it greets thousands of visitors from all over the world, making the cathedral crowded during this time of the year.
Entry fee
There is no entry fee and you can explore the cathedral for free.
Photography
Without getting prior written permission from the Vicar of the cathedral, photography inside the cathedral is not allowed.
Rules to follow
Being a historical, religious place, though there is no rule, it is a moral obligation to maintain silence and not disturb others who are praying and meditating in the cathedral. Also, while in the well-maintained garden, it is essential not to damage it in any way.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
I still remember the first time my father took me to St. Paul's Cathedral - it was many moons ago on Christmas Eve for attending the midnight mass. In the visits that followed later, it was serene and so peaceful that my favorite pastime would be to just sit in the large garden and watch the hours go by in blissful tranquility. The first visit still stays the most memorable one in my mind, though. The whole church and its surroundings were decorated with bright lights and decorative pieces that dazzled in its old-world glory. I noticed the high ceilings upon entering the church, and then eventually stood in awe of all the ancient paintings and sculptures on its white walls as the choir sang carols, asking me to sing along too!
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How to get there
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is 17 km (10.5 miles) from St. Paul’s Cathedral. Since it is in the heart of the “City of Joy”, it is easy to access from the airport. Also, adjacent to it are other Kolkata landmarks like Victoria Memorial and Birla Planetarium.
By cab or app-based taxi service
The quickest way from the airport to reach the cathedral is the cab service, which takes 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. You can take a local taxi or an Ola or Uber to reach the cathedral without any hassle.
By bus
You can easily reach the cathedral via a bus, which ply frequently and are cheap.
By car
You can drive down to the cathedral easily, but finding a parking spot may be tedious.
By metro
The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation operates metro train services to St. Paul’s Cathedral every 10 minutes. The Maidan Metro Station is the closest to the cathedral, from here you can walk down easily in under five minutes.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Whenever I visit the cathedral, I am sure to visit the nearby Fort William in Hastings, which is only 4 km away. If you are a history buff as I am, then I will definitely recommend seeing this historical place. It is located on the banks of River Hooghly, and I love to spend some me-time by one of the ghats that turns into a magical place after twilight hours. If you are in the city during the Durga Pujo carnival, don't miss witnessing the processions of the most popular idols in the city that begin their journey from Fort William and end at one of the immersion ghats of the river - truly a mesmerizing experience for me every year!
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Barely a 10-minute walk from the cathedral is Mohar Kunja, a public park. It hosts many cultural events throughout the year. I have been attending the World Peace Music Festival held here every winter since its first version in 2011, when it used to be known as Sufi Sutra. Artists from around the world come to perform in this space. That year, I remember being mesmerized by the first live performance of Flamenco I ever witnessed. Equally surreal were the performances by Bauls, mystic singers of Bengal, and the whirling dervishes from Egypt. The festival has been now renamed Sur Jahan and is slated to be held from February 2 to 4 in Kolkata, https://www.facebook.com/surjahan2019.
Visited this place?St. Paul's Cathedral information
St. Paul's Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 12pm, 3pm - 6pm: Sun: 7:30am - 6pm
Cost: Free
Department of tourism: West Bengal Tourism
News & updates for St. Paul’s Cathedral: St.Paul’s Cathedral Pre-Christmas Concerts | Kolkata’s Most Popular Church
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