St. Paul's Cathedral, Kolkata
St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata is a graceful Gothic Revival church and the seat of the Anglican Diocese of Calcutta within the Church of North India. Completed in 1847 after eight years of construction, it holds the distinction of being the first Anglican cathedral in Asia and the first cathedral purpose-built in the overseas territories of the British Empire, a landmark of the colonial city then known as Calcutta.
Dedicated to Paul the Apostle, the white cathedral rises with a tall tower and spire amid lawns near the Maidan and Victoria Memorial. Its original spire was damaged in earthquakes in 1897 and 1934; the present tower was rebuilt in a design inspired by the Bell Harry Tower of Canterbury Cathedral. Inside, stained-glass windows, memorial plaques, and a fine western window designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones recall the city's British past.
Still an active place of Anglican worship, the cathedral is especially well known for its Christmas services, which draw large congregations and visitors from across Kolkata. Its airy interior and quiet grounds offer a tranquil retreat in one of India's busiest cities.
- Location
- 22.5442, 88.3467
- Local time
- 04:06 (Asia/Kolkata)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sat | 09:00–12:00 |
| Sun | 07:30–18:00 |
Weekdays also reopen 15:00-18:00 (closed midday); nominal donation entry
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Saint Paul the Apostle Saint
Cathedral dedicated to Paul the Apostle; the great west window depicts his life
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Jesus Christ Saint
Central to the cathedral's worship and Burne-Jones west window imagery
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Saint Peter the Apostle Saint
Commemorated alongside Paul in the cathedral's imagery
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Theotokos / Virgin Mary Saint
Depicted in the cathedral's stained-glass program
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Saint John the Evangelist Saint
Depicted among the apostles in the cathedral windows
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Saint Augustine of Canterbury Saint
As mother Anglican cathedral of Asia, English Christian heritage figures are honoured
Care & donations
Church of North India, Diocese of Calcutta
Free entry; donations accepted
The candle wall
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04:06
Tap an empty holder to light your own candle · €2.00 · hover a flame to see its intention