About St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica is a historic Roman Catholic minor basilica located in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Built in Gothic style and consecrated in 1882, it is the oldest church in Bengaluru and the first church in Karnataka elevated to minor basilica status in 1973. Notable for its stained-glass windows, towering spire, and venerated statue of Mother Mary, it serves as a major pilgrimage centre and hosts the annual St. Mary's Feast.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a Gothic-style basilica with arched windows, stained-glass panels, twin towers and a tall spire visible from the street. Inside is a spacious nave with pews, an ornate altar, and a venerated statue of Mother Mary with infant Jesus. The compound is active with daily Mass and prayer, and is surrounded by the busy Shivajinagar market area. Visitors can walk through the interior, view architectural details, and observe religious services in a calm, reverent setting.
Key highlights
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Gothic architecture with stained-glass windows and towering spire
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Venerated 19th-century statue of Mother Mary with infant Jesus
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Oldest church in Bengaluru, consecrated in 1882
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First church in Karnataka elevated to Minor Basilica in 1973 by Pope Paul VI
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Annual St. Mary's Feast held from 29 August to 8 September attracting large congregations
History of St. Mary's Basilica
The site traces to a thatched hut built in 1803 by Abbe Jean-Antoine Dubois for Tamil Catholic settlers. The hut was rebuilt as a church in 1811 and the present Gothic structure was constructed between 1875 and 1882 under Rev. L. E. Kleiner and consecrated on 8 September 1882. It is considered the oldest church in Bengaluru and was elevated to the status of Minor Basilica in 1973 by Pope Paul VI, the first in Karnataka and sixth in India at that time.
Culture & Context
The basilica is a major Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre in Karnataka, dedicated to Our Lady of Health. The venerated statue of Mother Mary is central to devotion, and the annual nine-day St. Mary's Feast culminating on 8 September (Feast of the Nativity of Mary) draws thousands of devotees from different communities. The church reflects the long-standing Christian heritage of Bengaluru and remains an active centre for worship and community gatherings.