St. Philomena’s Church Mysore, a Major Tourist Attraction
The St. Philomena’s Church Mysore is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka. After visiting Chamundeshwari Temple we visited this famous church in Mysore.
Architecture of St. Philomena’s Church Mysore
This Mysore church a Neo-Gothic marvel, is a massive structure with twin spires. The architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. I have seen the Cologne Cathedral, and feel there is minor similarity in both.
Height of the church’s spire is 175 feet. It is visible from miles around. Each of the spires has a cross on it. This church is one of the largest in India. It can accommodate close to 800 people.
Many movies shot within church complex because of its design and beauty.
Facade of St. Philomena’s Church Mysore
History of St. Philomena’s Church Mysore
Maharaja of Mysuru Mummudi Krishnaraja Wadiyar built St Philomena’s Church in 1843 in memory of 4th-century saint and martyr St. Philomena. The church was designed by French architects. Work for new church commenced in 1933. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV laid the foundation for St. Philomena’s Church. However, due to the independence struggle then it took a long time to complete the church.
Philomena Church is a Catholic church that is the cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore. The full name is the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Philomena. Hence, one of the reasons it is also known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Legend of St. Philomena
The statue of St. Philomena is placed in an underground chamber. Remains of St Philomena are preserved at the cathedral. A piece of her bone is preserved here at the center of a beautiful shield.
There is an interesting story of how Philomena the daughter of the monarch of a small state in Greece was given sainthood.
“The story of St. Philomena dates back to the 3rd century A.D. Philomena was the daughter of the monarch of a small state in Greece. Her parents were childless. They prayed to God and asked Him to bless them with a child and promised to convert to Christianity if their wish was granted. The next year Philomena was born to them.
Even in her childhood Philomena showed signs of piety. When Philomena was 13 years old her father took her to Rome to obtain the favor of Emperor Diocletian. The Emperor was enthralled by her beauty and wanted to marry her. But she refused and vowed to give herself to God.
Since she refused to marry the Emperor she was tortured and beheaded in Rome. But people’s devotion for her spread far and she was given sainthood. There are a number of churches dedicated to her all over the world.”
Windows of St Philomena’s Church
The windows of the church have lovely stained glass paintings depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, the Resurrection, the Last Supper, and the Crucifixion. These were brought all the way from France. No photography is allowed inside the church hall. These pictures were taken with zoom lens from the exit door.
Rose window of St. Philomena’s Church Mysore
Tips to Visit Saint Philomena Church Mysore
- Avoid mass timings of St Philomena church if you intend to explore it.
- Very limited parking space. You may have to park outside and then walk to the church.
- Footwear not allowed inside.
Open Timings: St. Philomena Cathedral Mysore is open 5AM to 6PM. It is illuminated well in the evenings, a real treat to eyes. However if you wish to tour the interior avoid the mass timings.
Tickets: No tickets required to enter this church in Mysore. It is a free sight.
How to Reach: Fly in to Coimbatore International airport 200 km or Kempegowda Bangalore International airport 204 km. Plenty of state transport services and private taxis will drop you at the church in Mysore. St. Philomena’s Church is easily accessible once you reach Mysore. This church is located 2 km away from the Mysore Palace. It is close to the city bus stand, 3 km. Located on the Ashoka Road of Mysore, it can be easily accessed by road.
(This post was first posted on Sept 8th, 2008.)
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The interior of this church is very beautiful and the architecture is exquisite. The stained glass windows depict good craftsmanship, though not comparable to those we see in Notre Dame in Paris, nevertheless show the French influence.
No talk on this church is complete without mentioning the college that bears the same name and is near to this church. The clergy of this church contributed immensely to the academics of the college in science, humanities and languages. For a time in 1950s and 60s, the clergy, both the ‘fathers and ‘mothers’ were the ones who knew French ( most of were either French or Europeans who knew French well) in the city and they gladly spared their time in tutoring French free of cost-yours truly was one of their students! It was sheer pleasure when I bumped into my ‘French Guru’, the’ mother’ of St Philomena’s church in 1960s, years later in 1980s
in Notre Dame! She was truly a saint.
For a long time, St Philomena’s Church and St Philomena’s college together with the Forbes transformer Station ( where 60Hertz power from Shivasamudram Hydroelectric station was converted to 50Hertz power for distribution to Mysore city) formed the city limit when one left Mysore towards Srirangapatna, Mandya or Bangalore.
I absolutely love this church.. It’s so huge, and quiet and serene.. You can find any corner to sit in and look around.. I’m not a religious person, but of all religious places, I like churches the best, and this is one of the nicer ones 🙂
Beautiful church building. Though I don’t belong to catholic congregation I still love St. Philomena because my paternal grandmother was named after the saint. Thanks for sharing its my first time to hear about the saint’s story,and a big Hello to you.
Magnificent church. Thanks for the beautiful photos.
Nice story and pictures. That first photo is making my head spin a little 😆
A very interesting information about the Church & beautiful stained glass paintings make it more wanted.
And I liked your post on Ganesha too.
Keep posting.
Oh NEAT NEAT NEAT! Now that architecture is indeed art.
I’ve been to this Church a few years back and recall the beautiful stained glass paintings and its fabulous architecture. Thank you for a lovely post that brought back those memories.:)
The pictures are brilliant as usual..and the story is very good..Ive stopped by at this church many times and looked at its beauty..
Thanks for the story about the church. Those glass paintings are really striking!
Marvelous coverage…. missed seeing her statue and little bone,
in underground chamber. Will do that next time 🙂
Philomena’s Father shouldn’t have taken her to the Emperor. Poor child.
A bit undecided whether to congratulate you or Canon EF-S55-
250mm IS lens – for the superb pics 🙂
Top of my list on my next visit to Mysore – thanks to you, Indrani. Great pictures with interesting details in text.
Whoa, this is one brilliant and massive church. Fantastic architecture and well-captured.
I agree with Hobo. Reminds me too of Goan churches.
Such beautiful architecture and stained glass. Thanks for such an interesting post.
beautiful church!
MINE is here.
the stained glass is so awesome
beautiful Church! would love to see that with my own two eyes!
The post reminds me of GOA.
Thankyou !!!
What a mighty church!
That’s a beautiful church and a very interesting post.
The story of the beheading is rather gruesome, but the church itself is glorious.
The church is a majestic and beautiful building which I wish to visit!
Hello !
Cette cathédrale est très haute, et les vitraux sont très jolis…
Belles photos.
those are beautiful stained glass windows. i love the colors 🙂
you have captured the interior of the church very well!
fantastic building and those vitro are amazing
Beautiful pics Indrani and a very interesting information about the Church which i am reading for the first time.
very interesting post enhanced by beautiful photographs..
what a beautiful church! i’d love to go there. 😀 i have a novena to st. philomena.
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