St. Stephen's Church ( C.N.I ) — Attraction in Delhi

St. Stephen's Church, standing since 1862 near the Fatehpuri Masjid, earns a solid 4.0 stars as an unforgettable historical landmark in the heart of Old Delhi. Its primary appeal lies in the dramatic contrast it offers: a tranquil, preserved piece of colonial history set against the non-stop frenzy of the Chandni Chowk market.

The good things are immediately apparent in its architecture. Built in the red-brick Romanesque-Gothic style, the exterior’s color is said to symbolize the martyrdom of its namesake, St. Stephen. Stepping inside, the chaos of the outside world simply melts away. The high ceilings, the intricately carved columns, and the single, exquisite stained-glass rose window—a feature unique in Delhi—create a serene, illuminated space ideal for quiet reflection. The interior is remarkably well-maintained and provides a beautiful glimpse into the 19th-century colonial past, offering a spiritual refuge that is deeply needed in its location.

However, the location that makes it so profound is also its main downfall, contributing to the bad things. Being deep within the busy market streets means logistical challenges are severe. Vehicular access is extremely difficult, and parking is virtually non-existent. While the Chandni Chowk metro station is nearby, navigating the final stretch through the dense crowds and congestion requires patience. Furthermore, as an active place of worship, the church is often closed to casual visitors outside of Sunday services, making spontaneous viewing difficult and requiring visitors to check timings or seek permission beforehand.

Despite the effort required to reach its gates, the sheer beauty and historical quietude of St. Stephen's Church make it an essential and...

This is an Anglican mission church in the teeming heart of the old city of Delhi. It was established by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, a group of English missionaries, and was intended for the use of Indian converts to the Church of England. As such, it was not intended to be a place of worship for the burra sahibs and mems who preferred to worship at St James' (Skinner's) Church. It is said to be in the Italianate Gothic style although the tower definitely has a campanile feel to it. There are also elements of Romanesque architecture in the arches and rose window. Although the architect is not known, it may have been the product of civil or military engineers

The color of the Church is said to symbolize the blood of St. Stephen, the first Christian Martyr and patron saint of the city, and by the blood of those earlier Indian converts who had been killed by mutinous sepoys and criminals in Delhi during the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

St. Stephen's Church is located on Church Mission Road in Delhi. The church was built in 1862, by Anglican missionaries and DPW Engineers in the style of Italian Gothic architecture. It is part of Church of North India...

The St Stephen's Church goes back to 1862 and is one of the structures of delhi that despite their greater than 100 years of existence, are still alive and in use. The St Stephen's Church sits on Church Mission Road and was built by the Anglican Mission Society, later supported by the Cambridge Mission that was instrumental in setting up the St. Stephen's College in the north campus as well as the St Stephen's Hospital. One of the plaques in the church is dedicated to Satish Chander Sircar, principal of St. Stephen's College from 1960-1972, another is dedicated to Susil Kumar Rudra, professor and subsequently principal of St. Stephen's College from 1885-1923.

The circular stained glass window overlooking the main hall is unique to this church and one of its kind in Delhi. The church recieved the Urban Heritage Award in 1993 for its gothic architecture that has been maintained since...