St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

Nice church ⛪ Christ Church, Shimla, is the second oldest church in North India, after St John's Church in Meerut. It is a parish in the Diocese of Amritsar in the Church of North India. Its current incumbent is The Rev.Sohan Lal, whose ecclesiastical designation is presbyter-in-charge. Worship is conducted in Hindiand English. Christ Church, Shimla, is the second oldest church in North India, after St John's Church in Meerut. It is a parish in the Diocese of Amritsar in the Church of North India. Its current incumbent is The Rev.Sohan Lal, whose ecclesiastical designation is presbyter-in-charge. Worship is conducted in Hindiand English.

Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in what was formerly called Simla, Christ Church is situated on The Ridge. It stands out as one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla and its silhouette is visible for many kilometres around the vicinity of Shimla city. Christ Church is one of the enduring legacies of the British Raj.

Christ Church was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844, and the cornerstone was laid on 9 September 1844 by Bishop Daniel Wilson, Bishop of Calcutta. The church was consecrated on 10 January 1857 by Bishop Thomas Daltrey, Bishop of Madras. The estimated cost of construction at that time was 40,000 to 50,000 Rupees. The clock adorning Christ Church was donated by ColonelDumbleton in 1860. The porch was added in 1873. A British manufactured pipe-organ was installed in 1899 which was extensively renovated in 1932.

On September 11, 1918, Guy Gibson, leader of Operation Chastise, the famous "Dambusters Raid" of 1943, was christened here.

Christ Church survived the 20th-century partitionand the subsequent political upheavals on the Indian subcontinent. The first Indian Chaplain of Christ Church Shimla was Rev. B.S. Chander (1948 to 1957). Christ Church continues to be well maintained and is in relatively good condition. The clock's original mechanical mechanism has more recently been replaced with an electrical equivalent. However, currently whilst all 4 faces of the clock remain in synchronization they rarely reflect the correct time.

It is designed in the neo-Gothic style. The church is lit at night to illuminate it.

The church contains five fine stained glass windows. One represents the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility. The chancel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling (father of Rudyard Kipling). The pipe-organ of Christ Church is the largest in the Indian subcontinent; it was installed in September 1899.

Among the church's holdings are a great collection of books and...

St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Shimla: A French‑Gothic Treasure in the Hills

St. Michael’s Cathedral, established in 1886, holds the distinction of being Shimla’s first Roman Catholic church, crafted in a striking French‑Gothic style. Designed under the guidance of renowned colonial architect Henry Irwin and situated on land chosen by Viceroy Lord Ripon, the cathedral was built to cater to Shimla’s growing European community during the British Raj.

Architecture & Interior

Constructed from dressed grey stone in a cruciform layout, the cathedral features a central nave flanked by two aisles, a vestry, confessional and baptistery. Its elegant stained-glass window above the altar depicts St. Francis and St. Joseph, while the interiors boast fine mirror work and an intricately carved stone façade. The towering spires—rising nearly 45 m—lend the church dramatic verticality and visual prominence within Shimla’s skyline.

Musical Heritage & Artifacts

Inside, you’ll find one of North India’s finest and oldest pipe organs (circa 1913), alongside glass tapestries depicting the Crucifixion and a cherished statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a gift from Mexico. The church comfortably accommodates around 400 worshippers, offering a serene ambiance for daily mass—though services pause during winter snow closures.

Community & Surroundings

St. Michael’s serves as the cathedral for the Shimla–Chandigarh Diocese, hosting baptisms, Communion services, marriages, and special liturgies. Adjacent to the church is a heritage library (1910) in Elizabethan style, housing early Christian literature and ancient scriptures. Located just off Mall Road near the Deputy Commissioner’s office, it is easily reachable and surrounded by the hustle of Lower Bazaar and Lakkar Bazaar.

Preservation Challenges

Despite its cultural prominence, recent reports highlight structural damage including cracks in columns and areas experiencing subsidence. Restoration efforts have stalled, raising concerns over its preservation .

Summary

St. Michael’s Cathedral stands as a timeless landmark—a stunning example of Gothic revival architecture, a vibrant hub of worship, and an integral piece of Shimla’s colonial heritage. With its rich artistry, musical legacy, and spiritual gravitas, the cathedral remains a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, and seekers of tranquility—even as its future depends on urgent...

St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral in Shimla is a stunning piece of religious architecture that has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Located in the heart of the city, this cathedral is a beautiful and peaceful oasis amidst the bustling streets.

The cathedral was built in the Gothic style and features towering spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and beautifully carved stone walls. The history of the cathedral is as rich as its architecture, with stories of its construction and dedication to St. Michael the Archangel being passed down from generation to generation.

Visitors to the cathedral are always struck by its peaceful and serene atmosphere, which provides a welcome respite from the chaos of the city outside. Whether you are a local or a tourist, a visit to St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral is a must. You will leave with a sense of peace and inspiration, having witnessed the beauty of this...