Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth, Religious landmark in Burrabazar, India
The Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth is a house of worship in Burrabazar with marble facades, dark wooden pews, and spacious interiors lit by natural light from large windows. The building also maintains a cemetery on its grounds, which forms part of the overall complex.
After a fire in 1707 destroyed the original wooden structure, Agha Nazar oversaw the reconstruction of the building in 1724 on the site of the Armenian cemetery. This rebuilding marked a new chapter for the Armenian community in the city.
The church maintains twelve candles at the altar, each representing one of the apostles who spread Christianity to Armenia through Bartholomew and Thaddeus. This practice continues as a central element of worship for Kolkata's Armenian community and reflects their deep connection to this place.
The church and cemetery are accessible without entrance fees, though interior photography requires permission while exterior photography is freely allowed. It helps to keep this in mind when planning a visit.
Silver chandeliers shaped like open flowers hang from the ceiling, creating a visual contrast with the broad Doric columns that support the structure. These details often go unnoticed by many visitors, yet they define the character of the interior.
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