St. Mary’s Church Tours
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St. Mary’s Church, the small Anglican church within the walls of Fort St George, is the oldest masonry building within the fort. Consecrated in 1680, the church is said to be the first Anglican church in Asia and the oldest remaining English church in India. Work began on the church in 1678 on Our Lady’s Day, giving it its current name.
Except for a new steeple, much of the bombproof structure remains in its original condition, including the roof and arcade aisles. The church’s 104 tombstones were relocated and used to lay pavement after the French besieged Chennai in 1758 and 1759 and used as gun platforms when Hyder Ali invaded the city in 1782. Since then they’ve been restored to their old positions around the church. Keep an eye out for the gravestone of Elizabeth Baker, the oldest British tombstone in the country.
Elihu Yale, founder of Yale University, was the first man to be officially married in the church, and three of the daughters of Job Charnock, the founder of Kolkata (Calcutta), were baptized here.
Except for a new steeple, much of the bombproof structure remains in its original condition, including the roof and arcade aisles. The church’s 104 tombstones were relocated and used to lay pavement after the French besieged Chennai in 1758 and 1759 and used as gun platforms when Hyder Ali invaded the city in 1782. Since then they’ve been restored to their old positions around the church. Keep an eye out for the gravestone of Elizabeth Baker, the oldest British tombstone in the country.
Elihu Yale, founder of Yale University, was the first man to be officially married in the church, and three of the daughters of Job Charnock, the founder of Kolkata (Calcutta), were baptized here.
Address: Chennai, India
Hours: Sat–Thurs: 10am - 5pm
10 Tours and Activities to Experience St. Mary’s Church
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Private Tour: Half-Day Chennai Sightseeing with Government Museum and Kapaleeshwar Temple
First time in Chennai? Make the most of a private guide and flexible itinerary on this 4-hour sightseeing tour. Unveil the secrets of Chennai’s rich history and heritage as you tour the fascinating Government Museum and admire the 17th-century Fort St George. Then, keep your camera poised as you drive along the scenic Marina Beach and visit the stunning Kapaleeshwar Temple.
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From
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Private Custom Tour: Chennai Sightseeing with Guide
Join us for the private full-day sightseeing tour & explore the beautiful city Chennai, the capital of state Tamil Nadu in an air-conditioned transport with a professional guide. Experience the diverse cultures of the people living here, the architectural marvels of the historical structures, forts, palaces, religious sites like temples and various beautiful beaches.
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From
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Tamil Nadu Temples Tour Package from Chennai
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South India Church Tour - 5n6d
The history of Christianity in Tamil Nadu dates back to 2000 years ago, but in the 16th century, the religion is believed to have made a mark with the introduction by St Francis Xavier in Kanyakumari district. With the colonization by Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Italians in different years, the state saw a drastic change in its silhouette as well. Today's Tamil Nadu has some of the most spectacular churches which are must-visit. Tamil Nadu boasts a church in Chennai City where St Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus is said to originally interred.
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From
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Story of Chennai through British Buildings
This tour is led by a cultural evangelist who will explain the history of these buildings as well as the fate of their masters.
Chennai was an important power centre during the British rule in India. Listen to the Chennai story through the buildings built in that period.
Over the 3 hours appreciate the harmony in blending of Victorian Gothic, Indo-Saracenic and Byzantine styles of architecture.
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From
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Trip to Visit Historically Significant Churches in Chennai
Luz Church (1516), St. Thomas Mount Church (1523), St. Mary's Church (1680) and
Armenian Church (1772) - These churches of Chennai reflect the 500 years of rich architectural heritage and the cultural traditions of the devout Christians who built them. Let's take once in life time experiences on this tour when you're in Chennai.
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Trip to Visit Famous Churches in Chennai
Especially when plan to visit Churches & Cathedrals in the city, this below list are the "Top 5" in the city
San Thome Church,
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India Tour from Chennai to Mumbai in 34 Days
Incredible India welcomes you to explore a slice of her marvels. The itinerary of India Tour will take you a journey to explore the hidden treasures of this Indian subcontinent.
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India Tour Packages from Chennai to Delhi in 24 Days
Looking for a suitable holiday vacation in India! Here are the glimpses of the places you can visit in India. Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu state, you can start the tour with this metropolitan city. Experience an architectural therapy with UNESCO monuments of Mahabalipuram, Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. Enter Kerala, which is a place for leisure tour. Safari tours are famous in Thekkady and then moving on to Alleppey for backwater cruise in Vembanad lake. This short Kerala tour ends in Kochi taking an internal flight to Bangalore. Get ready for another heritage tour with monuments of Hoysala & Chalukya dynasties. You can take a flight to Delhi, the capital of India after this Karnataka tour. After having Capital City Tour, have a short drive for Agra tour, visiting the Taj Mahal, a monument of love. Move towards west of India reaching Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, often called as ‘Pink City’. Drive back to Delhi and your best places of India tour ends here.
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South India Tour Packages from Chennai to Goa - 23 Days
South India Tours and Travels welcomes you to experience this majestic subcontinent. South India Tour starts in Chennai. Mahabalipuram, which is famous for its UNESCO world heritage monuments. Your next stop will be at a French city, Pondicherry. Experience an architectural therapy with UNESCO monument of Thanjavur. You will now drive to the Tiruchirapalli, known as Rock fort City. Have a divine trip in this city. Continue your journey to Madurai Cultural Tour. Start your drive to ‘God’s own country’ – Kerala, explore the wildlife activities in Thekkady. Then move backwaters of Kerala namely Kumarakom and Alleppey. Take a long stride to Ooty, the famous hill station in the Western Ghats. Experience the rich heritage tour in Mysore. Karnataka welcomes you to experience the majestic Chalukya & Hoysala architectural kingdoms in Hampi. Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami are on par with Hampi with attractions galore. Your Tour ends up with a relax Beach Tour in Goa.
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From
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Things to do near Chennai
- Things to do in Tamil Nadu
- Things to do in Pondicherry
- Things to do in Thanjavur
- Things to do in Bangalore
- Things to do in Jaffna
- Things to do in Madurai
- Things to do in Coimbatore
- Things to do in Munnar
- Things to do in Tuticorin
- Things to do in Kochi
- Things to do in Goa
- Things to do in Northern Sri Lanka
- Things to do in Kerala
- Things to do in Hyderabad
- Things to do in Central Sri Lanka