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Explore a colonial-era church with art, memorials, and peaceful gardens.
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St. John's Church is located in the heart of Kolkata's Dalhousie Square, at 2/2, Council House St, opposite Dewars Garage, Lal Dighi, B.B.D. Bagh. Known for its colonial architecture, the church was built in 1787 and is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The church features blue-grey marble floors, a 174-foot spire with a clock, and Doric columns. Inside, visitors can admire the famous 'Last Supper' painting by Johann Zoffany, notable for its 'Indianized' elements. The church also houses one of Kolkata's oldest functioning pipe organs.
The churchyard contains several important memorials, including The Mausoleum of Job Charnock, The Black Hole Monument, and the Rohilla War Memorial. The grounds are well-maintained and include a peaceful garden, making it a serene escape from the city's bustle. As an active place of worship, visitors are advised to dress modestly and maintain silence inside.
St. John's Church is wheelchair accessible, with parking and entrances designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. The church is open from Monday to Saturday, with an entry fee of Rs 20 per person. Photography is permitted within the premises. The church compound also serves as a parking lot for nearby offices.
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St. John's Church was commissioned by Warren Hastings and completed in 1787, making it one of the oldest churches in Kolkata. It was constructed on land gifted by Maharaja Nabo Kishen Bahadur of Sobhabazar. The church was initially known as St. John’s Cathedral and served as the Anglican Cathedral of Calcutta until 1847, when the seat was moved to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The church was funded through a public lottery, highlighting its importance to the early European community in Kolkata.
The church's architecture is a neoclassical tribute to London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields and was constructed using stone and brick. The foundation was laid by Warren Hastings, and the building was consecrated by Bishop Wilson. The interior features a dark blue-gray marble floor and a semi-circular dome behind the main altar. The church has retained its historical significance and remains a cornerstone of British colonial history in India.
Visitors to St. John's Church can explore the church and its surroundings, which include several historical monuments and memorials. The entrance fee is Rs 20 per person, and photography is allowed. The church is open from Monday to Saturday, and visitors should plan to spend at least an hour to fully appreciate the site.
The interior of the church features a simple main altar, a semi-circular dome, and the famous 'Last Supper' painting by Johann Zoffany. Visitors can also view a beautiful stained glass window and several intricate marble memorials dedicated to diplomats, soldiers, and civil servants.
The churchyard is home to several notable memorials, including The Mausoleum of Job Charnock, The Black Hole Monument, and the Rohilla War Memorial. The grounds are well-maintained, providing a peaceful setting for reflection. As it is an active place of worship, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and maintain silence inside.
| Monday | 10:00–16:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Friday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours from the Google record, current as of publication.
Visitors frequently mention the impressive colonial architecture of St. John's Church, highlighting features such as the blue-grey marble floors and the 174-foot spire. The 'Last Supper' painting by Zoffany is particularly noted for its unique local elements.
Many reviews appreciate the peaceful and well-maintained gardens surrounding the church, which offer a serene escape from the busy city. The historical significance of the memorials and monuments in the churchyard, such as The Mausoleum of Job Charnock and The Black Hole Monument, is also frequently highlighted.
Guests often remark on the nominal entry fee and the welcoming nature of the staff, who are knowledgeable about the church's history and eager to share it with visitors.
2/2, Council House St, opp. Dewars Garage, Lal Dighi, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001
Photos by Surojit Saha, Ashiss Banerjee (AB), Café Coffee Day, Wamiq Siddiqui, Kamran Meerza, Doon Datta, Partha Dutta, Ujjwal Malik, via Google.
Yes, there is an entry fee of Rs 20 per person.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned about large bags.
Yes, photography is allowed within the premises.
