Are you planning a trip to Hyderabad, the land of the Nizams? We are sure that visiting the historical monuments and relishing the famous Hyderabadi biryani are on your list of things to do in the city. But if you are eager to step out of your hotels in Hyderabad and discover the lesser-known side of the city, we suggest you start by exploring the churches that dot the cityscape. Steeped in architectural beauty and rich in tranquillity, these churches exemplify the city’s wonderful religious spirit.
Want some help to plan your itinerary such that you can soak in the spiritual vibes of the city? Let’s take a look at the top Hyderabad churches that are worth a visit.
Churches in Hyderabad:
George’s Church | Basheer Bagh |
Joseph’s Cathedral | Basheer Bagh |
Centenary Methodist Church | Mahesh Nagar Colony |
Thomas Mar Thoma Church | HUDA Colony, Chanda Nagar |
All Saints Church | Trimulgherry, Secunderabad |
Alphonsus Catholic Church | Nandi Nagar, Banjara Hills |
Millennium Methodist Church | Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad |
Mary’s Church | Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad |
John’s The Baptist Church | East Marredpally, Secunderabad |
Wesley Church | Tilak Road, Abids |
Francis Xavier Church | Yapral, Secunderabad |
1. George’s Church, Hyderabad
St. George’s Church, which counts among the oldest churches in Hyderabad, was built in 1844 on a piece of land donated by the then Nizam of Hyderabad. The church was established to cater to the British community residing in the city. It was initially an Anglican church but in 1947, it came under the fold of the Church of South India (CSI). The church is famous for its splendid architecture, vintage interiors, serene ambiance, and an age-old pipe organ that was functional till 2008. A visit to this grand church is definitely among the top offbeat things to do in Hyderabad.
- Location: Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad
2. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hyderabad
The magnificent St. Joseph’s Cathedral is built in the Italian style of architecture. It is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches to visit in Hyderabad. Among the highlights of this 19th-century church are its bell towers that are adorned with huge bells imported from Italy. These bells are tuned to play several hymns on different themes. You can climb up the towers to catch panoramic views of the city. The cathedral also has a replica of the famous painting by Michelangelo called Pieta and a huge tower-clock gifted by the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad. It is a spacious church with a center hall that can accommodate around 500 people at a time.
- Location: Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad
3. Centenary Methodist Church, Hyderabad
With a seating capacity of more than 2000 people, the Centenary Methodist Church counts among the largest churches in Hyderabad. It is a Protestant church that was established to accommodate the growing Methodist population in the city. The church boasts of a stone masonry structure built in the contemporary architectural style. The most distinguishing feature of this edifice is its pointed, tall bell tower that can be seen from quite a distance. The church also features well-decorated interiors, which is a visual treat to the eyes.
- Location: Mahesh Nagar Colony, Hyderabad
4. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Hyderabad
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church is one of the four Mar Thoma parishes located in the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad. It is counted among the top Hyderabad churches due to its elegant structure and beautiful interiors. Enveloped in calm surroundings, the church offers you the perfect place to sit down for a while and connect with your inner self. St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church traces its origins to the 1950s and the eastern worship elements together with rich symbolism make it one of the few indigenous churches in the country.
- Location: HUDA Colony, Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad
5. All Saints Church, Hyderabad
There is no denying that the All Saints Church is one of the most stunning churches to visit in Hyderabad. This place of worship was built in 1860 as a Garrison church for the members of the British Cantonment of Secunderabad. At present, it serves as an Anglican church. Designed in the Gothic style of architecture, this church features a belfry and several turrets outlining its exterior. An impressive stained glass window that portrays Jesus carrying the cross forms the altarpiece of the church. Antique pews, lovely lamps, and a beautiful baptismal font are the other highlights of this shrine. This church has been the recipient of the INTACH Heritage award conferred by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for good maintenance.
- Location: Trimulgherry, Secunderabad, Hyderabad
6. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Hyderabad
When in Hyderabad, you can’t miss out on visiting the beautiful St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Flanked by two towers on either side, this church displays an impressive structure. The interiors of this church are also quite remarkable. Though located in a busy part of the city, the church exudes a serene vibe.
Banjara Hills is where you can find some of the best restaurants and dance pubs in Hyderabad. After visiting the church, you can also head over to the five-decade-old Sarvi Restaurant to relish the delectable Irani Chai and Osmania biscuits.
- Location: Nandi Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
7. Millennium Methodist Church, Hyderabad
Millennium Methodist Church was established by the missionaries of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1882. It was initially known as Methodist Church, Secunderabad. But when the need for a bigger church was felt, the original church was demolished and a new one was built in its place. This new, bigger church was named as the Millennium Methodist Church. During the occasions of Christmas and Easter, the church witnesses amazing performances by the youngsters.
- Location: Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad, Hyderabad
8. Mary’s Church, Hyderabad
As the name indicates, St. Mary’s Church is dedicated to Mother Mary. It is also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption. The church has a huge statue of Mother Mary carrying Jesus in her arms. This shrine served as the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad before it was declared a minor basilica. As one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the city, this place of worship is very popular among the devotees. Adding to the appeal of this church is its splendid Indian Gothic style of architecture. Pointed buttresses, curved arches, and four bells imported from Italy are among the highlights of this church.
- Location: Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad, Hyderabad
9. John’s The Baptist Church, Hyderabad
It is easy to see why St. John’s The Baptist Church features among the most popular tourist places to visit in Hyderabad. Standing amidst serene surroundings, the church exhibits the Tuscan style of architecture. This historical church which traces its origin to 1818 was initially built for the British forces residing in Hyderabad. At present, it is an Anglican Church that is frequented by the local residents of the city and tourists alike. One of the main attractions of this church is the 108-year-old huge pipe organ that is used during the Sunday service every week. This church was declared a heritage structure of Hyderabad in 1998.
- Location: East Marredpally, Secunderabad, Hyderabad
10. Wesley Church, Hyderabad
Elegantly designed exteriors and vintage interiors mark the Wesley Church, another popular protestant church in Hyderabad. Situated near the Clock Tower of Secunderabad, this Garrison church dates back to the 19th-century. It functions under the denomination of the Church of South India. Every Sunday, services are conducted at this church in English, Tamil, and Telegu.
- Location: Tilak Road, Abids, Hyderabad
11. Francis Xavier Church, Hyderabad
Nestled within the Secunderabad Cantonment and inside the premises of the Valerian Grammar School, St. Francis Xavier Church is a small but significant place of worship in the city. This church, as the name suggests, is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. With a history of more than 175 years, this church has stood the test of time. The structure of the church is designed in the shape of ‘T’ and has aisles on each of the three sides. Adorned with doors, windows, and arches exemplifying Gothic designs, this lime mortar structure presents a pretty picture to the eyes. It is a lesser known church in the city, but is definitely worth a visit.
- Location: Yapral, Secunderabad, Hyderabad
Apart from its fascinating churches, Hyderabad packs in several other exciting experiences. For instance, you can explore the best restaurants in Hyderabad for a delightful gastronomic experience. If you are a history buff and want a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage, the historical places in Hyderabad will keep you enthralled. So, go ahead and plan your Hyderabad holidays.
This post was last modified on 07-Aug-2023