About St. Philomena Church
Opening hours- 5:00 am to 6:00 pm
Prime days and hours- Weekends, Mornings, and Evenings
Suggested Duration- 1-2 hours
Tickets- Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station- Mysuru Junction, about 2.1 km away
Nearest Bus Stand- Mysore City Bus Stand, about 3.9 km away
Nearest Airport- Mysore Airport, about 14.8 km away
St. Philomena’s Church in Mysore is one of the oldest and most remarkable churches in India, and proudly stands as the second-tallest church in Asia. Built in honour of Saint Philomena, a Catholic saint and martyr, the church is a beautiful blend of spirituality, architecture, and cultural harmony, making it one of the best places to visit in Mysore.
St. Philomena’s Church is built in a Neo-Gothic design, inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Its tall twin spires and colourful stained-glass windows from France illustrate scenes from the life of Jesus. The peaceful interiors inside include a marble altar with the statue of Saint Philomena and an image of Christ.
Visitors can also experience the church’s spiritual side by attending a Daily Mass held daily in Kannada, Tamil, and English. From architecture, history, to a peaceful place for reflection, St. Philomena Church offers a beautiful retreat for its devotees.
St. Philomena Church Highlights
• Explore St. Philomena’s Church, one of the largest churches in India, renowned for its rich history and serene spiritual ambience.
• Marvel at its stunning Neo-Gothic architecture, which made it a filming location for the 1977 film “Amar Akbar Anthony” starring Amitabh Bachchan.
• Admire the iconic French statue of St. Philomena, a revered 3rd-century Greek saint, placed at the heart of the church.
• Witness the grandeur of the church’s twin spires, each soaring 175 ft high, visible from a great distance.
• Participate in the church’s meaningful charitable events and social service initiatives that reflect its community spirit and values.
How To Reach St. Philomena Church
By road- You can reach the St Philomena Church from the Mysuru city centre via Trichy Rd/Vanivilasa Rd, about 5.3 km away, taking approximately 16 minutes.
Best Time To Visit St. Philomena Church
Peak Season (October to March)
- Weather insights- Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 27°C.
- Things to do- Take part in several charitable events hosted by the church. Attend cultural events or Dasara celebrations in October.
Moderate Season (July to September)
- Weather insights- Moderate rainfall with temperature ranging between 20°C and 25°C.
- Things to do- Attend the annual feast, and capture lush green surroundings post-rain.
Low Season (April to June)
- Weather insights- Temperatures can be higher than usual, ranging between 24°C and 36°C, with a hot and humid climate.
- Things to do- Visit Philomena’s Little Boys Home orphanage, explore the Folklore Museum, and the Mysore Palace.
St. Philomena Church Other Essential Information
Know before you go-
- Be mindful of not clicking any pictures inside the church, as photography is not allowed inside.
- Carry essentials such as water bottles and sunscreens, as the weather can be hot and humid.
- To understand the history of the Church better, take at least 1-2 hours to explore the religious spot.
- As the palace is a sacred place, all visitors must cooperate with its cleanliness by not littering in or around the premises.
- Dress modestly when entering the church to respect the spiritual environment.
- Check information such as the dates of the annual feast or any other activities in prior.
Marvel at the beautiful architecture
Built in the Neo-Gothic style, inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany and designed by the French artist Daly, it reflects a blend of Victorian charm and European architecture. The main attraction of the church is its twin spires, with a height of 175 feet, which can be spotted even from miles away. The sanctum adds more beauty to the entire structure with its stained glass windows, displaying exquisitely drawn paintings from various stages of Christ’s life.
Participate in charitable events
Take part in the charitable spirit of St. Philomena’s Church by joining its social service activities and events. The church also houses St. Philomena’s Little Boys Home, an orphanage that provides care and support to young boys from all backgrounds. Visitors are welcome to engage with the children, spend time playing with them, or make voluntary donations as part of this Diocesan initiative.
Attend the Annual Feast
Plan your visit in August to witness the grand Annual Feast of St. Philomena’s Church, one of the most vibrant celebrations in Mysore. Held in honour of Saint Philomena, the event draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors from across the world. The church comes alive with cultural programs, special masses, and devotional processions that fill the atmosphere with spiritual energy and community spirit.
Learn about the history of Philomena
Visitors to St. Philomena’s Church can learn about the inspiring story of Saint Philomena, a 3rd-century Christian martyr, whose life is beautifully reflected in the church’s architecture, rituals, and spiritual atmosphere. Born to a childless couple after years of prayer, Philomena was seen as a divine gift. At just 13, she bravely refused a Roman emperor’s marriage proposal, choosing her faith over royalty, leading to her martyrdom. Her unwavering devotion is remembered through daily Holy Mass, the serene marble altar bearing her statue, and the stained-glass windows visually narrate her faith and sacrifice. The church keeps her legacy alive, offering visitors a deeper understanding of her story through its design, activities, and spiritual ambience.
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St. Philomena Church FAQs
What is famous about St. Philomena’s Church?
St. Philomena’s Church in Mysuru (Mysore) is famous for its impressive Neo-Gothic architecture, drawing inspiration from the Cologne Cathedral. It's one of the tallest churches in Asia, a significant architectural marvel with twin spires, stained glass windows, and intricate details. The church also gains importance as it is dedicated to Saint Philomena, a Greek Catholic saint and martyr.
What is the story of Philomena?
The story of Saint Philomena is from the 3rd century. Philomena was the daughter of the monarch of a small state in Greece. Her parents were childless, and Philomena was born a year after her parents prayed to God for a child. Philomena’s father took her to Rome when she was 13 years old to obtain the favour of Emperor Diocletian. The Emperor was captivated by her beauty and wanted to marry her. But she refused and vowed to give herself to God. Later, because of her refusal, she was tortured and beheaded by the Emperor.
How old is the St Philomena Church?
The Saint Philomena's Church in Mysore is over 200 years old and one of the oldest churches in India. Initially, over 250 years ago, there was a small church in its place. The Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III realised the need for a Church for the Christians, so on a small plot of land at the Mysore-Bangalore Road, a small church was built. Later plans were made to build a larger church, and thus came into existence the famous Saint Philomena Church of Mysore.
