Pondicherry Churches

Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Located on Subbayah Salai, this white and brown neo-gothic church is one of Pondy’s finest Catholic churches. It was built by French missionaries in the 1700’s in a contrasting Neo-Gothic manner, with towers flanking a central gable and stained glass windows on the side. The church has an imposing entrance and the beautiful stained glass panels depict incidents from the life of Jesus Christ. Further along the southern boulevard is the cemetery which has some interesting tombs with ornate marble decorations.

Church of the Capuchins

Located on rue Dumas, this is one of the first churches to be built in Pondicherry. Even though it was one of the very few buildings that partially survived the destruction of the town in 1761, it is a mere shadow of its past glory, except for its rather interesting gable. Today, it houses an orphanage.

Notre Dame de’

Located on Mission Street, this Cathedral, which bears a strong resemblance to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in France, was built in 1791 in the place of a former Church. The imposing façade presents paired Doric columns below and ionic above. In front of the church is a statue of Our Lady with the infant Jesus in her arms. The interior design consists of eight barrel vaults and a central dome pierced with eight circular openings.

The Church of Our Lady of the Angels at Dumas Street (Notre Dame des Anges)

Built in 1855, in the Greek Roman architectural style. Its façade, flanked by two unadorned square towers, faces east towards the ocean. The interior is roofed by a barrel vault, with a great dome rising over the crossing. The pastel peach and lime colors give it a very serene appearance.

This church is also famous for its rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, which was a gift from the French emperor, Nepoleon III. The church has old pews (seating) made of cane, Indian stained glass that filters sunlit patterns of color into the interior. The cemetery next to the church has the tomb of Marquis de Bussy (dated 1785), who was one of Duplex’s most enterprising followers.

Church of the Assumption

Located at Nellitoppu, on the western outskirts of the city, this church was built in 1851. The main entrance has an image of Our Lady and on the left towers is the statue of St. George in the act of slaying yall like monster. Inside the Church you will find some of the finest glided altarpieces including a Crucifix surrounded by flying angels.

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes

This interesting Church is located at villianur, a small town 11 km. from pondicherry. It was erected in 1876 and is modeled on the Basilica in France. The statue of Notre Dame was donated by the French Government a year later. A curious feature here is the Church tank, which is usually founded in all the Hindu temples. The ritual bathing of devotees at the tank here, a long standing tradition, is one of the high lights during the tank here, a long standing tradition, is one of the high lights during the festival honoring the Madonna held in June.

Church of Our Lady of Good Health

The church is located at Ariyankuppam, a tiny village 4 km south of Pondicherry. The church makes for an interesting cycling expedition off the beaten track. Built originally in 1690, this Church was subsequently rebuilt several times. The interior has rounded arches carrying a vault over the central aisle. A Freestanding Crucifix is displayed upon the altar and brightly painted wooden images are set on shelves in the side walls.
Besides these imposing structures there are various smaller churches and shines in Pondicherry which have their devout followers, like The Church of Francis Assist, which was built in 1843, the shrine of St. Anthony in the French Quarter, The Saint John Church and the Seventh Day Adventist Church.