St philomena church mysore is a notable landmark in Mysuru, Karnataka, also called the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Philomena. One of the tallest churches in Asia, this magnificent structure is a reminder of the city’s rich architectural and cultural legacy.
History: St Philomena Church
A smaller church was founded in 1843 to serve the local Catholic community, which is when St. Philomena’s Cathedral got its start. A larger house of worship became necessary as the group developed. T. Thumboo Chetty, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV’s Huzur Secretary at the time, brought a relic of Saint Philomena, a Christian martyr from the fourth century, to Mysuru in 1926. The building of a new cathedral was prompted by this incident. Under the direction of Bishop Rene Feuga, the cathedral was finished in 1936 after the foundation stone was set on October 28, 1933.
Marvelous Architecture
Inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, the cathedral was designed by French architect Daly and is a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture. The building is one of the highest cathedrals in Asia, with twin spires rising to a height of 175 feet (53 meters). With a nave, transepts, and a choir, the floor plan is arranged in the shape of a cross. Beautiful stained glass windows that portray events from Christ’s life, including as his birth, Last Supper, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, adorn the inside.
Spiritual Importance
Saint Philomena, a young Greek princess who was executed in the fourth century for her Christian beliefs, is honoured at the cathedral. The church is a major destination for pilgrims, as her relic is kept in a catacomb beneath the main altar. The congregation is diverse, and regular masses are held in English, Kannada, and Tamil, among other languages.
St Philomena’s Church timings
Visiting Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The cathedral is beautifully illuminated in the evenings.
Entry Fee: Free.
Photography: Photography is not permitted inside the church hall.
Accessibility: Easily reachable by auto-rickshaw or taxi from various parts of the city.
St. Philomena’s Church Mysore is near several other notable sites in Mysuru, including:
- Mysore Palace
- Chamundi Hills
- Mysore Zoo
- Karanji Lake
These attractions offer visitors a comprehensive experience of the city’s historical, cultural, and natural beauty.
Book your Mysore Tour packages or Mysore places to visit with Groowynd Holidays, a tour operator with operational presence in Mysore and Kerala. Groowynd is a South India-based 9 Times Award-winning travel company from TripAdvisor. The Mysore Tour packages can be customised, and more destinations can be incorporated.
FAQs: St Philomena Church Mysore
Where is St. Philomena’s Cathedral located?
St. Philomena’s Cathedral is located on Ashoka Road, Lashkar Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka – just about 2 km from the Mysore Palace.
What is the significance of this church?
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Philomena, a 4th-century Christian martyr. It is one of the tallest churches in Asia and is an important religious and historical site in Mysuru.
What are the cathedral’s opening hours?
The church is open daily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors are welcome throughout the day, especially during mass hours.
Is there an entry fee to visit the cathedral?
No, entry is free for all visitors.
Is photography allowed inside the church?
Photography outside the cathedral is allowed. However, photography and videography inside the main church hall are generally prohibited to maintain the sanctity of the space.
Are there other attractions nearby?
Yes. The cathedral is located close to major Mysuru landmarks like:
Mysore Palace
Chamundi Hills
Mysore Zoo
Karanji Lake