Description of the attraction
The Indian city of Madurai is considered to be the city of temples; many religious buildings were built in it, dedicated to different gods of different religions. But among this abundance stands out the beautiful Catholic Cathedral of St Mary's, located in the heart of the city, not far from the train station, on East Valley Street. It is the center of the Catholic diocese in the city and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in all of India.
The church was built in 1840 and was originally known as Vigulamatha Kovil. She received the status of a cathedral in 1960, after the Catholic diocese (diocese) was organized in Madurai in 1938, and the episcopal throne was established in the church.
St. Mary's Cathedral is not only of historical value as a cultural monument, it is also a real masterpiece of architecture - in the architecture of this building, both elements of European, continental, in particular, neo-Gothic, and oriental styles are clearly visible, as it has become typical for almost all buildings in India built by Europeans.
The cathedral is painted in a bright yellow color, which smooths out the Gothic elements of its architecture - narrow lancet windows and sharp spiers. The structure is replete with rich decoration, carvings and high arches. The most characteristic feature of the church, which distinguishes it from a number of other Christian buildings in the city, are two beautiful bell towers located on both sides of the entrance, they are 42 meters high each, and are clearly visible even from a great distance. And the high arches and columns located inside the building, decorated with graceful stucco molding, give this place a special mystery and grandeur.
