About the Church
St. Philomena’s Church, also known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, is one of the largest Neo-Gothic churches in India, located in Mysore, Karnataka. Constructed in 1936 under the reign of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the church was inspired by Cologne Cathedral in Germany. It serves as a major pilgrimage site for Christians and is known for its magnificent twin spires, towering at 175 feet, making it one of the tallest churches in Asia.
The church is dedicated to St. Philomena, a 3rd-century saint, and its stained-glass windows beautifully depict biblical scenes such as the Last Supper, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ. Beneath the main altar, there is a crypt housing the relics of St. Philomena.
Description
The church is a simple yet elegant structure with thick walls and a bomb-proof roof designed to withstand military attacks. It houses beautiful stained glass windows, antique furniture, and memorial plaques that reflect the colonial era. Notable British figures such as Robert Clive and Elihu Yale (benefactor of Yale University) were associated with this church.
Speciality
Oldest Anglican Church in India (built in 1680)
Located within Fort St. George – a British-era military fort
Associated with notable colonial personalities
Preserves 17th-century architecture and artifacts Church Details Address:
St. Philomena's Cathedral, Lashkar Mohalla, Ashoka Road, Veerangere, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
Coordinates:
Latitude: 12.3139° N, Longitude: 76.6583° E
Visiting Hours:
Daily: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM Holy Mass Timings:
Weekdays: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Weekends: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Sundays: 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM & 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Special Event: Annual feast on August 11th Sevas & Religious Services
Holy Mass conducted in multiple languages: Kannada, Tamil, and English
Special events: Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, and the Feast of St. Philomena
Confessions and prayers available daily Travel & Transport Facilities
By Air
Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (12 km) – Limited domestic flights
Nearest International Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (180 km)
By Train
Mysore Junction Railway Station (3 km) – Well connected with Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai
Fastest Option: Shatabdi Express (Bangalore to Mysore)
By Bus
Mysore City Bus Stand (3 km) – Regular KSRTC buses connect Mysore with major cities
City Bus Routes: 201, 204, 304 stop near the church
Direct buses available from: Bangalore, Coorg, Mangalore, and Ooty Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws, taxis, rental cars, and bike rentals available Facilities for Visitors
Food Facilities
Mysore is famous for its traditional South Indian cuisine. Nearby restaurants include:
Rrr Mysore Restaurant – Traditional South Indian meals
The Old House – Continental cuisine & coffee
Hotel Mylari – Famous for Mylari Dosa Stay Facilities
Hotels and lodges available for different budgets:
Luxury: Radisson Blu Plaza, Fortune JP Palace
Mid-range: Hotel Sandesh The Prince, Pai Vista
Budget: Hotel Roopa, Treebo Trend Akshaya Mahal Inn Nearby Cities & Attractions Nearby Cities
Bangalore (140 km)
Mandya (45 km)
Hassan (115 km)
Coorg (120 km)
Ooty (125 km) Nearby Attractions
Mysore Palace (2 km) – A grand royal residence
Chamundi Hills (12 km) – Famous for Chamundeshwari Temple
Brindavan Gardens (20 km) – Known for musical fountain shows
Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery (3 km) – Houses rare paintings Nearby Religious Places
St. Bartholomew’s Church, Mysore
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna (15 km)
Nanjangud Temple (25 km) – Known as Dakshina Kashi Best Time to Visit
October to February – Best season due to pleasant weather
December – Christmas celebrations
During Dasara (October) – Mysore’s most vibrant festival Shopping & Local Specialties
