The Kolkata City Guide itinerary includes St. Paul’s Cathedral as an important place to visit. St. Paul’s Cathedral building construction was completed and opened to the public in 1847 AD. Though the foundation was laid in 1839 AD. This is the first CNI Cathedral of Anglican background in Kolkata and Asia, famous for its Gothic architecture. This church is dedicated to “Paul the Apostle” and is a seat of “The Diocese of Calcutta” as well. It is located on Cathedral Road, in the heart of the city. We know that Calcutta, now Kolkata,” was the capital of India from 1772 – 1911 during British rule. St. Paul’s Cathedral is also considered a newly built Cathedral in the territory of the British Empire out of Great Britain to afford more space among the Diasporas of the European community in the 1800s. Here I will discuss a few of the most interesting pieces of information so you can learn about the must-visit places during the sightseeing program in Kolkata City Guide . Please go through the article until the end to learn more in detail.
![St.Pauls Cathedral best tourist place in the itinerary of Kolkata City Guide](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-6-300x157.png)
St.Pauls Cathedral best tourist place in the itinerary of Kolkata City Guide
Bishop Daniel Wilson and then acting chief Justice “John Paxton Norman” was the joint founder of St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata. Bishop Daniel Wilson had taken the main initiative to construct the Cathedral. C.K.Robinson was the commissioned architect of this cathedral. The John Paxton Norman was assassinated at the ‘Kolkata Town Hall’ in 1871. Bishop Wilson died in 1858. Both were buried in the cathedral’s premises. Queen Victoria sent 10 silver-gilt plates on the occasion of the cathedral’s consecration on 8th Oct, 1847. Gradually it became the official cathedral of the East India Company.
![inside view](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-6-300x157.png)
inside view
Historical background & visible features of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
The architectural site in Kolkata is truly one-of-a-kind. The designers took into account the unique climate of India and crafted the buildings to withstand it by following Indo-Gothic statutes. Interestingly, the design was also influenced by Norwich Cathedral in London. The idea for a new Cathedral was proposed by William Nairn Forbes, a military architect, to Warren Hastings in 1819. However, the proposal was initially rejected due to the high cost estimated by East India Company officials. Nonetheless, the site remains an important piece of history as a symbol of British rule in India and is therefore included in the Kolkata City Guide tour plan.
Archaeological Description of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Daniel Wilson, the bishop of Calcutta, later obtained approval for the property in 1832, and the cornerstone for “St. Paul’s Cathedral” was set in 1839. St. Paul’s Cathedral once stood 201 feet (61 meters) in the air and had square towers that were modeled after the bell tower of Canterbury Cathedral. Its length is 247 feet, and its width is over 81 feet. The cathedral boasts a large nave with elegant oak benches that can seat about 1,000 people at once and two murals painted in the traditional Florentine Renaissance style. In honor of Lord Mayo, the windows on the west corner were made by Morris & Co. and designed by Sir Edward Burn Jones, two masters of the pre-Raphaelite movement.
The details of Parish Hall & library of St. Paul’s Cathedral
In addition to these attractions, the cathedral also has a parish hall and a library on the grounds, both of which are currently in use. A lovely, well-kept landscape surrounds the church. Both devotees and regular folks come to the nave to relax and unwind. On Christmas Eve, the Cathedral is crowded with guests. This church parish includes a number of other prestigious educational institutions located in the city of joy, such as Scottish Church College, St. Thomas Day School, and St. Paul’s Schools. During her tour to India on February 9, 1962, Lt. Queen Elizabeth II stopped at this church. Those who are planning a Kolkata city tour must follow Kolkata City Guide tour plan.
You may also Like another Kolkata City Guide blog
Prinsep Ghat : A1 Delightful Historic Landmark In Kolkata
![St Paul's Cathedral on Christmas Night](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4-4-300x157.png)
St Paul’s Cathedral on Christmas Night
Lesser- Known historical facts of St. Paul’s Cathedral most important destination of Kolkata City Guide
The church’s honoring tablets, memorial plaques, statues, artifacts, paintings, and other records hold numerous historical facts about British India and the years after independence. I want to highlight a person who is not well-known but had a significant impact during the 1971 Bangladesh War. His name is “Canon Subir Biswas,” and he is credited with introducing Kolkata to the world by helping East Pakistan’s victims. The West Pakistan army mistreated and vandalized the citizens of East Pakistan, causing a humanitarian crisis. Subir Biswas, who was born into a Christian Bengali family and became the “Vicar and Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral” in 1970, played a vital role in introducing this historic Cathedral to the world. Despite winning the majority of seats in Parliament in March 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was not allowed to enter. It’s no wonder that the Cathedral is now considered a must-visit location for anyone’s Kolkata City Guide itinerary.
Conclusion
As I was exploring Kolkata’s historical sites, I couldn’t help but notice the immense historical significance of St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata. Not only is it a religious monument, but it also serves as a cultural and historical symbol of the city. Despite facing earthquakes in the past, the Cathedral has stood the test of time and remains a cherished landmark to this day. Upon further research, I discovered that this Cathedral played an important role in India’s British rule and post-independence period. It’s a place that cannot be ignored in the Kolkata City Guide tour plan. I urge everyone to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral at least once to witness its beauty and tranquility and explore its rich heritage. I want to express my gratitude to the Church Parish and the Government of India for their amazing roles in preserving the best historical places in Kolkata. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and showing interest in St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata. Your support and engagement are greatly appreciated.
![Night View](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-5-300x157.png)
Night View
Encore Audio Visual of St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata one of the historical places in kolkata City Guide
FAQ
St Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata address
Maidan, Kolkata,
Pin: 700071,
West Bengal,
India
Timing of St Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
Monday to Saturday: - 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday: - 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Is there any Entry Fee
Free entry for all visitors
Who build St Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
Bishop Daniel Wilson and then acting chief Justice “John Paxton Norman” was the joint founder.
What are some lesser- known sights to see when visiting St Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
A podium where charred cross and a helmet of an Indian soldier who was martyred during the Bangladesh war in the Kushtia
Is St Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata open to non-Christians on Christmas Eve
Yes it’s open to non-Christians on Christmas Eve