St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral
St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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 ancient scriptures.
Raman VermaRaman Verma
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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 historic landmark.
Gurpreet SinghGurpreet Singh
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St Michael's Cathedral, Shimla, by Henry Irwin, was built in dressed grey stone as the Cathedral of St Michael and St Joseph in 1885, when Lord Ripon (a Roman Catholic) was Viceroy. In Ripon Place, just off the Mall in present-day Shimla, it was the first Roman Catholic church to be built in the hill station, and served as the cathedral of a new diocese, which now includes Chandigarh. It would have been designed by or under the auspices of Henry Irwin, the then Superintendent Engineer and Architect of the PWD in Simla, who "designed most of the large buildings in the 1880s" (Kanwar 51), including the Ripon Hospital.
ZoRRo MicKeYZoRRo MicKeY
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Holy Catholic mass timings are displayed on the board. The Mass is according to Latin Rite celebrated in Hindi. English Hymns also sung during the Hindi Mass. Everyday Holy Mass is celebrated. On Sundays at 10.00am in Summer and at 10.30am in Winter. We went on a Saturday evening in May, 2024. Rosary started at 5.30pm followed by Mass. This was once a functional Cathedral, even Lahore in Pakistan was a part of this. Despite the Government of India designating it as a 'Heritage Building', there are visible and potentially dangerous cracks developing in the church structure.
jose martinjose martin
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St. Michael’s Cathedral is a peaceful and beautiful church in Shimla with a rich history. It is one of the oldest churches and feels more real and untouched than Christ Church, which is very popular and well-maintained. This church looks older and gives you the feeling of how things were in the past. It is open for everyone, and you can sit inside quietly for as long as you want. There are no strict entry limits like in Christ Church. The place is calm, less crowded, and also gives a great view of Shimla. If you want peace and a true church experience, do visit this one.
Akash SharmaAkash Sharma
00
Good spacious place but very crowded now a days. Church is very beautiful and have closing hours, so better check before go. ( normally 2pm -5 pm closing hours) Many shops outlets, bar, restaurants available for shopping and dining at the Mall Road A must visit place with family and friends. View from the Mall Road is very nice. One can opt the LIFT to get on the church or Mall Road. Lift is available near to parking and it costs Rs 10 per person.
Suket SachdevaSuket Sachdeva
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Nearby Attractions Of St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral
Christ Church, Shimla
Ridge, Shimla
Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
Mall Road
The Ridge
Lakkar bazar
Rani Jhansi Park
Jwala Devi Temple Himachal jagarwalo ki kuldevi
Daulat Singh Park
Hawa Ghar

Christ Church, Shimla
4.6
(7.9K)Click for details

Ridge, Shimla
4.6
(4.3K)Click for details

Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
4.6
(2.2K)Click for details

Mall Road
4.6
(1.7K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of St. Michael's Catholic Cathedral
Domino's Pizza | The Mall, Shimla
Cafe Simla Times : Cafe, Biergarten & Bar on the Mall Road Shimla ( Awarded Most Instagrammable Cafe of Himachal)
Sher E Punjab ( Regd.)
Goofa Ashiana Restaurant
Himachali Rasoi
The Brew Estate
Wake and Bake Cafe
Hotel Landmark
Devicos Restaurant & D Lounge Bar
Indian Coffee House

Domino's Pizza | The Mall, Shimla
3.8
(2.7K)$$
Click for details

Cafe Simla Times : Cafe, Biergarten & Bar on the Mall Road Shimla ( Awarded Most Instagrammable Cafe of Himachal)
4.2
(1.7K)$$
Click for details

Sher E Punjab ( Regd.)
3.5
(1.7K)Click for details

Goofa Ashiana Restaurant
4.2
(1.5K)$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Near Ram Bazar, Below DC office, Reppon place, Near old bus stop climbing up stair distance 10 min, from Mall Road 10 min walking down, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171003, India
Map
Phone
+91 177 280 4249
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(360 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
scenic
attractions: Christ Church, Shimla, Ridge, Shimla, Kali Bari Temple, Shimla, Mall Road, The Ridge, Lakkar bazar, Rani Jhansi Park, Jwala Devi Temple Himachal jagarwalo ki kuldevi, Daulat Singh Park, Hawa Ghar, restaurants: Domino's Pizza | The Mall, Shimla, Cafe Simla Times : Cafe, Biergarten & Bar on the Mall Road Shimla ( Awarded Most Instagrammable Cafe of Himachal), Sher E Punjab ( Regd.), Goofa Ashiana Restaurant, Himachali Rasoi, The Brew Estate, Wake and Bake Cafe, Hotel Landmark, Devicos Restaurant & D Lounge Bar, Indian Coffee House

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