New Jerusalem Church, Tranquebar

New Jerusalem Church is a brick structure featuring stained glass windows and tiled roofs located within Fort Dansborg. The building shows European architectural design built with locally available materials during the colonial era.

The church was founded in 1718 during the Danish colonial period as part of Protestant missionary work in South India. It represented an important establishment during the expansion of Christian presence in the region.

The church served as a center where missionaries translated biblical texts into Tamil, playing a role in documenting and developing the written Tamil language during the colonial period.

The church is located within the fort grounds and can be visited while exploring the fort complex on foot. Visitors should dress respectfully as religious services take place regularly.

A printing press operated within the fort complex where religious and language texts were produced. This press played a key role in spreading materials that supported missionary efforts and local education.

Location: Tharangambadi

Inception: October 11, 1718

GPS coordinates: 11.02717,79.85428

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:02