Have you ever walked through Burrabazar Kolkata and suddenly spotted a beautiful blue-and-white church with tall towers and peaceful vibes? That’s the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary, also known as the Portuguese Church or Murgihata Church. It’s one of Kolkata’s oldest and most charming Christian shrines — full of history, legends, and architectural beauty.
Let’s take a walk together through its story, and I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting.
📜 A Glimpse into History
Many people don’t realize that the Portuguese arrived in Bengal much before the British. As early as the 1530s, they established their first trading post in Bandel, now a town in Hooghly district.
the Portuguese began settling in Hooghly following Emperor Akbar’s farman of 1578-80. However, during Shah Jahan’s siege of Hooghly in 1632, many Portuguese families migrated to the newly established settlement of Calcutta (now Kolkata).
When Job Charnock (an officer of the British East India Company) established Calcutta in 1690, some Portuguese families accompanied him. Initially, they built a small chapel for Augustinian friars. But by the mid-18th century, the Portuguese community had grown significantly, creating the need for a proper church.
The transformation from chapel to cathedral happened thanks to Joseph Barretto, a wealthy Portuguese trader and philanthropist. With his financial assistance, The foundation stone was laid in 1797, and the church was blessed in 1799, dedicated to Our Blessed Lady of the Rosary.
Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary is the last surviving relic of Kolkata’s Portuguese past, and it still holds regular services today.
Architectural Marvel of Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary
Now, let’s talk about the cathedral’s beauty—it’s a real treat for the eyes! The Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary is painted in a striking combination of vivid blue and pristine white, making it stand out amidst the crowded shops of Portuguese Church Street.
The most striking feature of the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary is its two lofty towers adorned with crown-shaped cupolas. These towers, painted in a vivid combination of blue and white, can be spotted from quite a distance.
Interestingly, they resemble Islamic architecture with their minaret-like appearance, showcasing the beautiful fusion of cultures in Kolkata.
The cathedral’s facade features a decorative pediment rendered in vibrant hues. An arched entrance leads to an extended portico, typical of Portuguese colonial architecture. describes it as “a sentinel of Kolkata’s colonial and cosmopolitan past.”
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a colonnaded interior with wooden pews set on either side of the aisle. The main altarpiece, painted white with gold highlights, looks absolutely resplendent when light from the circular stained-glass windows filters in from above. The statue of the Virgin Mary with infant Jesus occupies the place of honor on the massive altarpiece.
One of the most interesting features inside the cathedral is the 14 wooden panels in bas-relief depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. These artistic treasures are not just religious symbols but also showcase excellent craftsmanship from the colonial era.
Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary also has an amusing local nickname – “Murgihata Church.” This name has a delightful backstory. Since the Portuguese were the only community in early Kolkata to raise poultry, their quarter came to be designated as Murgihata (literally meaning “chicken market” in Bengali). The word “murgi” means chicken in Bengali, and “hata” means market.
Even today, the area retains this name, and locals often refer to the cathedral as the Murgihata Church. This charming detail shows how local communities have embraced and preserved foreign cultural elements in their own unique way.
🧭 Travel Tips
📍 Location: 13,15, Brabourne Rd, Pageya Patti Street, Portuguese Church St, Bara Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007
🚇 Nearest Metro Station: Mahatma Gandhi Road
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunday mornings for Mass and Rosary (starts at 8:30 AM)
December 25th (Christmas) for festive decorations and open access
🎟️ Entry: Free
📸 Photography: Allowed (except during services)
👗 Dress Code: Modest clothing recommended
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
The Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary is in the heart of Kolkata, so you’re close to some fantastic attractions. Here are a few must-visit spots nearby:
Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth – Kolkata’s oldest Christian church.
Nakhoda Mosque – This grand mosque with its red sandstone facade is a beautiful contrast to the cathedral and a must-see for its architecture.
Howrah Bridge – Just a short walk away for iconic views
Malik Ghat Flower Market: One of Asia’s largest flower markets, this vibrant spot near Howrah Bridge is perfect for photos and a taste of local life.
St. John’s Church – Colonial-era church with Job Charnock’s tomb
Marble Palace – A mansion full of art and antiques
🙏 Final Thoughts
The Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary stands as a testament to Kolkata’s incredible ability to embrace and preserve diverse cultures. In a city known for its Bengali heritage, this Portuguese church reminds us that Kolkata has always been a cosmopolitan metropolis where different communities have found home.
So Plan your visit and enjoy the blend of history, culture, and spirituality at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary!
Have you visited this cathedral or another historic church in India? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences!
Happy travels, and see you at the next hidden gem!