The Basilica of the Holy Rosary, commonly known as Bandel Church, is one of the most prominent churches in West Bengal. Located in Bandel, Hooghly District, this Roman Catholic Church, along with its monastery, stands as a captivating relic of the past. For history enthusiasts, it offers a deep dive into a bygone era.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bandel Church is one of the 23 Basilica churches in India and falls under the Archdiocese of Calcutta. It majestically overlooks the banks of the Hooghly River. The church is situated just 2.5 kilometers from Bandel Station, so you can easily reach it. A visit to this historical church promises an opportunity to admire its stunning beauty and rich heritage.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about the Bandel Church,
Let’s see each of these points in detail
Bandel Church timings
| Everyday | 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM |
ADVERTISEMENT
Bandel Church ticket price
There is no entry fee or ticket price to enter Bandel Church.
History of Bandel Church
The parish church of Bandel, founded in 1599, stands as a testament to the region’s rich history. During the 16th century, Bandel served as a port for the Portuguese. In 1571, Mughal Emperor Akbar granted them permission to establish a town in Hooghly.
As the town developed and settlers arrived, baptisms were conducted by their priests, leading to a growing Catholic community. Captain Pedro Tavares later secured permission from the Mughal Emperor to build churches, resulting in the establishment of Bandel Church.
However, in 1632, the church was destroyed by the Moors during the sacking of Hooghly. A new church was subsequently constructed over the ruins by Gomez De Soto, dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary). In 1988, this historic sanctuary was elevated to the status of a minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II.
Bandel Church architecture
Although Bandel Church is relatively smaller compared to other churches in West Bengal, its significance remains undiminished, attracting numerous visitors from both India and abroad.
The church showcases exquisite Portuguese architecture, with its impressive Doric style construction. Inside, the church features three altars, numerous tombstones, a shrine to Mother Mary, and an organ. The interiors are adorned with colored glass windows and chandeliers, adding to its magnificence. The Grand Tower clock further enhances its beauty. After a redecoration in 1990, the church was embellished with granite and marble. The walls are adorned with several murals, and a few grottos add to its charm.
ADVERTISEMENT
While looking around you will come across a life-size marble statue of “Mater Dolorosa.” She is seen seated with the body of the deceased Jesus Christ on her lap. Additionally, numerous paintings illustrate stories from the life of Jesus, enriching the church’s historical and spiritual ambiance.
Best time to visit Bandel Church
Bandel Church welcomes visitors year-round, allowing you to plan your visit at your convenience. However, the ideal time to visit is during the winter months and early spring. During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly mild, making your tour more enjoyable.
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting on weekdays. This way, you can experience the church in a more serene and peaceful setting. Summers can be extremely hot, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time of the year.
Other attractions near Bandel Church
| Attraction | Distance from Bandel Church |
|---|---|
| Hooghly Imambara | 1.5 km |
| Mayurpankhi Ghat | 2.9 km |
| Hanseshwari Temple | 5.9 km |
| Aadharaloy | 7.2 km |
ADVERTISEMENT
Bandel Church seamlessly blends history and modernity, offering a unique experience to all visitors. The religious site is open to all and can be visited whenever you feel like it.
The captivating part is that the keystone of the older church can still be seen. It is on the eastern gate of the monastery with the date 1599. Isn’t that thrilling? So, if you are really fascinated by all these small yet noteworthy details and want to sit in peace inside a holy place, plan a visit to Bandel Church.
Cover Image Credits: Swarnasubarna26, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Some other articles you might like
- Ramdhura (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Daragaon, Burmaik (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Ghurni – Exploring Krishnanagar’s Hidden Gem And Its Clay Dolls
- Mim Tea Garden (Darjeeling) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Bandel Church (Hooghly) | The Basilica of the Holy Rosary
- Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal) – 5 Things To Know
Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article may contain affiliate links. This means when you book or buy something using these links, you help support the website at no extra cost.