ST. PHILOMENA’S CHURCH

One of the oldest churches in the country, St Philomena’s cathedral is not only a religious site in Mysore, but it is also the prime tourist attraction of the place. This Mysore Catholic Church is a unique example of secularism in its construction and history.

HISTORY 

Initially, the site was occupied by a smaller church named St Joseph Chavez. In the 1840s, Krishnaraja Wadiyar III built the church for the Catholic community. However, as the population of the Christian community grew, the construction of the new church was commissioned by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. The work that began in 1933 took eight years and was completed in 1941. 

1. PHILOMENA – THE PATRON SAINT

Philomena was the princess of a small state in Greece. When she was 13, her father took her to meet emperor Diocletian, who was planning to wage war against their kingdom. The emperor, who fell for Philomena’s beauty, asked for her hand in marriage as a peace offering. Even though her parents agreed, Philomena, who vowed her virginity to god, refused to marry him. The angry Diocletian subjected the young girl to extreme torture and incarceration and was finally beheaded. 

In 1802 her remains were found within the catacomb of Saint Priscilla in Rome. Her tomb had the inscription “Peace be with thee” in Latin. They also found a small vial with her blood remains and her bones. In 1926 her remains were brought to India and are now kept in an underground catacomb beneath the altar of St. Philomena’s church. 

ARCHITECTURE

Designed by a French architect, it has neo-gothic or victorian style architecture. The structure, inspired by the German Cologne Cathedral, is created in the shape of a cross, with the main hall forming the extended part and the two side sections resembling the arms of the cross. At the top of the cross is the altar, while the choir section is where the two arms of the cross meet.

INSIDE ST. PHILOMENA CHURCH

The altar houses the saint’s statue and an idol of Christ. The glass windows above were imported from France and are covered in glass paintings depicting biblical scenes such as the birth of Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Ascension of Christ. Located beneath the altar is the crypt that holds the remains of St Philomena, with the walls decorated with paintings of scenes from her life. Some steps lead to the underground catacomb from inside and outside the church.

HOW TO REACH 

Located on Ashoka road, it is : 

3 km from the bus stand

5 km from Mysore city. 

1.5 km from the North gate of the Mysore Palace. 

You can easily avail a taxi or rickshaw. For private vehicles, the church also offers ample parking space. 

TOURIST SPOTS NEAR ST. PHILOMENA’S CHURCH

• Masjid–e–Azam: a famous mosque in Mysore, Opposite the church on the same road.
• Mysore Palace ( 3km ): A magnificent palace of the Wadiyar dynasty, built in an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.  
• Mysore Zoo ( 2.6 km ): one of the largest zoos covering 160 acres and housing some of the rarest and endangered species on the planet. 
• Karanji Lake ( 3 km ): A serene lake surrounded by a lush green park and home to many migratory birds.
• Brindavan Gardens ( 20 km )- A beautiful garden with musical fountains. It is a popular picnic spot for families.