St. Mary's Church: Hyderabad's Historic Landmark

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January

11.5 - 33.0 °C

February

14.6 - 36.0 °C

March

18.1 - 39.4 °C

April

20.3 - 41.2 °C

May

21.8 - 42.8 °C

June

21.2 - 40.6 °C

July

21.0 - 35.2 °C

August

20.8 - 33.8 °C

September

20.4 - 34.1 °C

October

17.2 - 33.9 °C

November

13.6 - 32.5 °C

December

11.3 - 31.6 °C

Major Airports :

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad

Vijayawada International Airport (VGA), Vijayawada

Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ) Visakhapatnam

Nearest Railway Station :

Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station (HYB)

A grand cathedral built during the Nizam’s reign

St. Mary's Church, or the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the city. While it served as the principal Church of the Vicariate of Hyderabad, it was formerly known as St. Mary’s Cathedral. It is located on Sarojini Naidu Road in Secunderabad, near Hyderabad.

|The church has an intriguing history. In 1839, Father Daniel Murphy began searching for a location to build a church in Hyderabad, the capital of the Nizam kingdom. Back then, no religion, other than Islam, was looked upon kindly. As a result, he considered Secunderabad as an alternative site. St. Mary's Church took a decade to reach completion in 1850. At that time, it proudly held the distinction of being the largest church in the state.

Today, it bears the esteemed title of a minor basilica. The church continues with regular masses, creating a spiritual atmosphere of reverence. Mark your calendar for mid-August, when St. Mary's Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This joyous occasion welcomes all visitors from near and far to partake in the spirit of devotion. The church is a delight to see on Christmas when the entire area is lit with colourful lights.

A beacon of learning

Here, worship and the pursuit of knowledge go hand in hand. In 1871, St. Ann's School was established within the hallowed grounds of the church, nurtured by devoted nuns from St. Anne in Turin. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, this institution has brightened the lives of countless students by encouraging a passion for learning.

The architecture of the church is beautiful in the Indian Gothic style, which is known for its graceful, curved arches, pointed buttresses, and the perfect combination of European and local elements. The exquisite design and its spiritual ambiance create a feeling of pure serenity. The church has four bells, all of which were brought from Italy in 1901. Although one of the bells has developed some cracks over time, it still exudes a vintage charm.

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Timings

Opening time - 08:00 AM

Closing time - 07:00 PM

More iconic landmarks

After visiting St. Mary’s Church, you should explore the city further to discover some amazing attractions. Charminar is the most renowned landmark in Hyderabad and definitely worth a visit. Golconda Fort is another major draw, considered by many as one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. The Salar Jung Museum is a must-visit place, as it is one of the most prominent National Museums of India, and it houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. You should also make time to visit Falaknuma Palace, which is now a beautiful heritage hotel and should not be missed.

Visit St. Mary’s Church to elevate your spirit, it’s a place where time stands still and hearts unite in faith and architectural grandeur.