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St. Andrew's Church Bandra

4.6
·2k reviews·Mumbai, India

Mumbai's historic St. Andrew's Church, built in 1575, boasts beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Christmas Eve evenings

Festive atmosphere & decorations

CrowdHigh
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St. Andrew's Church Bandra

Best Time

Christmas Eve evenings

Festive atmosphere & decorations

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Mumbai's historic St. Andrew's Church, built in 1575, boasts beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"One of the oldest churches in Mumbai, spacious and huge with a serene experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

💐 Flower Shopping Nearby

Khoja Florist opposite the church is a great spot for flowers, potentially opening early.

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; the church offers spacious parking facilities.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Main Sanctuary

Marvel at the beautiful Roman Catholic architecture, a testament to its 1575 Portuguese Jesuit origins.

Reddit
Christmas Eve Festivities

Christmas Eve Festivities

Church Grounds

Experience a truly festive vibe with beautiful decorations and a palpable Christmas spirit.

Reddit
Longest Nave in Mumbai

Longest Nave in Mumbai

Main Sanctuary

Walk the impressive nave, believed to be the longest in Mumbai, reflecting its historical significance.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While St. Andrew's Church is open daily, visiting during mass times or special occasions like Christmas Eve offers a vibrant, festive atmosphere. Be aware that crowds can be significant during these periods, so plan accordingly for a more serene experience if desired. Reddit

Getting There & Around

Easily accessible from Bandra station by bus or other transport, St. Andrew's Church is also a short distance from Mount Mary Church. Ample parking is available, which is a significant plus in Mumbai. Reddit

Best Times

When
Christmas Eve evenings
Why
Festive atmosphere & decorations
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Serene and peaceful experience
Crowd
Low
When
After 6 PM
Why
Evening prayers and ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What’s a good way to spend a day in Bandra? Also would love popular restaurant recommendations (in Bandra) for said day spend

💐 Flower Shopping Nearby

Khoja Florist opposite the church is a great spot for flowers, potentially opening early. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; the church offers spacious parking facilities. Reddit

reddit.com

Where can I get these flowers near Bandra West

🙏 Attend a Prayer Service

Experience the spiritual heart of the church by attending a prayer service. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Bandra

Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mount Mary Church for a fuller experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

💐 Flower Shopping Nearby

Khoja Florist opposite the church is a great spot for flowers, potentially opening early. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; the church offers spacious parking facilities. Reddit

🙏 Attend a Prayer Service

Experience the spiritual heart of the church by attending a prayer service. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Bandra

Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mount Mary Church for a fuller experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

St. Andrew's Church Bandra is lauded as one of Mumbai's oldest and most historically significant churches, praised for its beautiful Roman Catholic architecture and serene ambiance. Visitors often highlight the festive atmosphere during Christmas Eve and the convenience of ample parking. However, some note the need for upkeep to match its heritage status.

"St. Andrew's is one of the oldest churches in Mumbai, and I had the privilege of visiting it on Christmas Eve. The church was beautifully decorated with lights, creating a festive Christmas atmosphere. Many people gathered there that day, and the prayer service began just as we arrived. It was a wonderful experience, and I felt truly immersed in the spirit of the occasion. I stayed a bit more due to the festive vibe."

Prathamesh Bandekar

"One of the oldest church in Mumbai spacious and huge here you have huge parking space Serene experience. I visited this place on Christmas Eve. There were lights and a Christmas-y vibe! The church was visited by many people that day and the prayer began as we went there. It was a new experience for me. Just lovely! You’ll get bus or other travelling sources from Bandra station"

Arjun Vare

"St Andrew's Church is the one of the oldest churches in Mumbai. It was built by Portuguese Jesuits on 1575. It's architecture is very beautiful. It's a Roman Catholic Church under Bandra Deanery.

St Andrew's Church is situated 1.5 kms from Mount Mary Church Bandra.

Church opens at morning and evening after 6 pm."

Georgy Raju

What People Like

Historic architecture
Serene ambiance
Festive Christmas vibe

What People Dislike

Needs upkeep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Andrew's Church Bandra is easily accessible from Bandra station. You can take a bus or other local transport options. The church also offers ample parking if you're arriving by car. Reddit

Yes, it's situated about 1.5 kms from the well-known Mount Mary Church, making it convenient to visit both. Reddit

You can find various travelling sources, including buses, from Bandra station to reach St. Andrew's Church. Reddit

Absolutely! The church boasts huge parking space, which is a significant advantage in Bandra. Reddit

While possible, it's a bit of a walk. Taking a short bus ride or auto-rickshaw from Bandra station is generally more convenient. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to St. Andrew's Church is generally free. It's a place of worship, and visitors are welcome to enter and experience its serenity. Reddit

The church typically opens in the morning and again in the evening after 6 PM. It's best to check for specific mass timings if you plan to attend a service. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter St. Andrew's Church. Donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep. Reddit

Yes, visiting during special events like Christmas Eve can be a unique experience with festive decorations and a lively atmosphere, though it will be more crowded. Reddit

While the historic architecture might present some challenges, efforts are usually made to accommodate visitors. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility needs beforehand. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Built by Portuguese Jesuits in 1575, it's one of Mumbai's oldest churches and played a crucial role in the evangelization of Bandra. It was the sole church in Bandra until the 17th century. Reddit

The church boasts beautiful Roman Catholic architecture and features the longest nave among churches in Mumbai, a significant historical and architectural element. Reddit

Yes, outside of mass times and major festivals, it offers a serene and peaceful experience, allowing visitors to soak in the spiritual ambiance. Reddit

Photography rules can vary. It's respectful to check for any signage or ask church officials before taking extensive photos, especially during services. Reddit

Christmas Eve is a special time with beautiful lights and a strong festive spirit. Many people gather, making it a vibrant, albeit crowded, experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The church's facade, the long nave, and the altar area offer great photographic opportunities. Capturing the exterior against the sky or during festive lighting can be stunning. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's always best to be discreet and respectful, especially during prayer services. Inquire with church authorities if unsure. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. For festive shots, visiting during Christmas Eve with the decorations is ideal, though expect crowds. Reddit

Focus on the intricate details of the Roman Catholic architecture, the impressive length of the nave, and any historical inscriptions or artwork. Reddit

Tripod usage might be restricted, especially inside the church. It's advisable to check with the church administration beforehand to avoid any issues. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Andrew's Church Bandra can be a peaceful outing for families, especially on quieter mornings. While the historical architecture might not have dedicated play areas, the spacious grounds offer room for children to move around respectfully. Visiting during non-peak hours will ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Reddit

Consider combining the visit with a short trip to the nearby Mount Mary Church, which often has more open spaces and is a popular spot for families. The church's historical significance can also be a gentle introduction to local history for older children. Reddit

🙏 Devout Visitors

For those seeking spiritual solace, St. Andrew's Church Bandra offers a deeply serene environment. Attending one of the daily prayer services is a core experience, allowing you to connect with the church's spiritual essence. The church's long history imbues it with a profound sense of peace and devotion. Reddit

Visiting during weekdays, especially in the morning, will provide the most tranquil setting for prayer and reflection. The church's status as a significant religious site means it's a place where many find comfort and a connection to their faith. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

St. Andrew's Church Bandra is not just a place of worship; it's a living monument to Mumbai's rich past. Originally built by Portuguese Jesuits in 1575, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest churches in the city. For a significant period, it was the only church in the Bandra suburb, playing a pivotal role in the region's early Christian evangelization. Its historical importance is further underscored by the fact that it remained the sole church in Bandra until the construction of St. Peter's Church in the 17th century. Reddit

The church has witnessed centuries of history and has undergone various phases of development. Its architecture reflects its Portuguese origins, and it's noted for having the longest nave among all churches in Mumbai, a testament to its grandeur and historical significance. In recognition of its heritage, it even won an urban heritage award in 2002, highlighting its architectural and cultural value. Reddit

Despite its historical stature, the church, like many heritage structures, requires ongoing upkeep and renovation to preserve its legacy for future generations. Visiting St. Andrew's offers a unique opportunity to connect with Mumbai's colonial past and appreciate the enduring presence of its religious and architectural heritage. Reddit

Experiencing St. Andrew's During Festivals

Visiting St. Andrew's Church Bandra during festive occasions, particularly Christmas Eve, transforms the experience into something truly special. Social media and visitor reviews consistently highlight the beautiful decorations and the palpable festive atmosphere. The church is adorned with lights, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that draws many visitors. Reddit

During these times, the church becomes a hub of activity, with many people gathering for prayer services and to soak in the celebratory spirit. While this means larger crowds, it also offers a unique opportunity to witness the community's devotion and the church's role as a central gathering place. The prayer service often begins as visitors arrive, adding to the immersive experience. Reddit

If you prefer a more tranquil visit, it's advisable to opt for weekday mornings or evenings outside of major religious holidays. However, for those seeking to experience the vibrant cultural and spiritual heart of St. Andrew's, attending during a festival like Christmas Eve provides an unforgettable glimpse into its community life. Reddit

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