Top 10 Singapore Cathedrals and Churches to Visit as a Tourist
Singapore has a long and proud musical heritage that can be traced back to the days of the British colonial rule. Today, there are numerous cathedrals dotted across Singapore, each with its own unique sound and sonicscape. From the soaring vocals of St. Andrew’s Cathedral to the grandiose acoustics of National Cathedral, these sacred spaces are home to some of Singapore’s finest choral performances. Here’s our top 10 to visit as a tourist in Singapore.
Table of Contents
- No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- #1 – St. Andrew’s Cathedral
- #2 – Our Lady of Lourdes
- #3 – The Armenian Church Of St. Gregory the Illuminator
- #4 – Church of St. Teresa
- #5 – St. Joseph’s Church
- #6 – Church Of The Sacred Heart
- #7 – Church Of The Holy Family
- #8 – Cathedral Of The Good Shepherd
- #9 – Church Of the True Light
- #10 – Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Have a Place to Recommend?
- Meanwhile, Check out Tropika Club’s Ecosystem of Websites
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
Historic Gems: Explore Singapore’s cathedrals and churches, showcasing rich architectural heritage and historical significance.
Cultural Highlights: Discover diverse religious practices and traditions at these iconic spiritual sites.
Architectural Marvels: Admire stunning designs, from Gothic to modern styles, reflecting Singapore’s unique cultural blend.
Community Hubs: Experience vibrant community life and events at these spiritual centers.
Peaceful Retreats: Enjoy serene environments perfect for reflection and tranquility.
Tourist Favorites: These must-visit sites offer enriching experiences for both locals and tourists alike.
#1 – St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Introduction:
Saint Andrew’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Singapore. It is located near City Hall, Downtown Core, within the Central Area in Singapore’s central business district. It is the main Cathedral church of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore and serves as the mother church of 27 parishes and more than 55 congregations. The church has existed on the site since 1836, although the current building was constructed in 1856–1861. The logo of the Cathedral is the St Andrew’s Cross..
Location & Address: 11 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6337 6104
Website: Website Link Here
#2 – Our Lady of Lourdes
Introduction:
On the edge of “Little India” in Ophir Road, a church was built with funds collected by members of the Indian community who came from Pondicherry. Father Joachim Alexander Marie Meneuvrier, a French priest, saw the need for a church that catered to the Indian population with services in Tamil. In 1885, the government provided a piece of land for the establishment of a church. Bishop Gasnier laid the corner stone of the building on 1 August 1886, and the building was completed and officially dedicated in May 1888. The site on which the church was built was originally a swamp land and located near a canal. Its location near Serangoon Road was significant because the area had been an Indian enclave since the 19th century, and the location was considered convenient for local Catholics.
Location & Address: 50 Ophir Road, Singapore 188690
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week.
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6294 0624
Website: Website Link Here
#3 – The Armenian Church Of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Introduction:
The Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, referred to locally as the Armenian Church, is the oldest Christian church in Singapore, located at Hill Street in the Museum Planning Area, within the Central Area. The church was completed in 1835 and consecrated the next year.
Location & Address: Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator Singapore, 60 Hill Street, Singapore 17936
Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6334 0141
Website: Website Link Here
#4 – Church of St. Teresa
Introduction:
Built atop a hill, the Church of St Teresa testifies to the contributions of Catholic missionaries and the growth of the community in the city district. The S’pore wing of the Apostleship of the Sea is based there as well.
Location & Address: 510 Kampong Bahru Road Singapore, Singapore 099446
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays
- 6 pm
- Weekends:
- Saturday: 5:30 pm
- Sunday: 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 5:30 pm
- Public Holidays:
- 8:30 am
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6271 1184
Website: Website Link Here
#5 – St. Joseph’s Church
Introduction:
The foundation stone for a new church was laid by Fr. Vicente de Sta Catarina, the successor of Fr. Maia. The church was blessed and opened in 1853 [Fr. Maia died on 17 February 1850, hence the building of the new church was left in the hands of Fr. Vicente de Sta Catarina]. The new church was situated on twelve lots of land between Victoria Street and Queen Street. Six of the lots had been given to Fr. Maia by Sir Samuel George Bonham, then Governor of the Straits Settlement, and six were purchased by Fr. Maia himself, in 1833, 20 years before the completion of the church. Fr Maia was buried at Fort Canning. His remains were exhumed later and placed at the newly built Church.
Location & Address: 143 Victoria St, Singapore 188020
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays
- Monday to Friday:
- 9:00am to 12:00pm
- 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6338 3167
Website: Website Link Here
#6 – Church Of The Sacred Heart
Introduction:
By the turn of the 19th century, the number of Catholics in Singapore was rising. Many Chinese Catholics from all over the island attended the Church of Sts Peter and Paul. At that time, it was the only church that served the Chinese population. Father Vincent Gazeau, who was in-charge of the Cantonese- and Hakka-speaking Catholics, felt that it would be necessary to build a church that would cater for these two groups, allowing the Teochew- and Hokkien-speaking Catholics to remain at Sts Peter and Paul Church. So in 1908, Father Gazeau started a building fund for this church. It was said that only after a novena to the Sacred Heart was made that the site of an old abandoned soya sauce factory, located behind Fort Canning Hill, was made available for the church.
Location & Address: 111 Tank Road, Singapore 238069
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays
- MON-FRI: 7 am in the Chapel
- FRIDAY: 7 pm in the Church
- Weekends
- SATURDAY: 7 am & Sunset Mass at 5 pm
- SUNDAY: 8 am (M), 10 am, 12 pm
- Public Holidays
- 7 am
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6737 9285
Website: Website Link Here
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#7 – Church Of The Holy Family
Introduction:
Officially known as the Church of the Holy Family but affectionately called the ‘Katong Church’ or the ‘Katong Catholic Church’ by the older generations, Holy Family was the first Roman Catholic Church built along the eastern coastline of Singapore. Like the holy family of Nazareth, the parish started from very humble beginnings: worship and prayers were conducted in a makeshift hut made by the LeSalle brothers.
Consecrated in November 1923 as the Chapel of the Holy Family on a plot of land donated by a wealthy Eurasian, James Scheerder, the faith community expanded exponentially in the two decades before the Japanese Occupation of Singapore. Lured by the presence of Catholic missionary schools, a more vibrant faith community and the fascination of living near the beach, many Eurasians moved to set up homes in eastern Singapore.
Location & Address: 6 Chapel Road, Singapore 429509
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays
- 9 am to 9.30 pm
- Weekends:
- 9 am to 6 pm
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6344 0046
Website: Website Link Here
#8 – Cathedral Of The Good Shepherd
Introduction:
The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is the Cathedral Church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore and the seat of its Archbishop, Most Rev. William Goh DD. Built in 1847, it is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Singapore and is a gazetted National Monument since 1973.
About
The Cathedral is located in the heart of downtown Singapore, close to the National Museum and National Library. It is within walking distance from 3 MRT stations; Bras Basah, Bencoolen and City Hall.
Location & Address: “A” Queen St, Singapore 188533
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays
- Monday-Friday 1.15 pm
- Weekends
- Saturday 6 pm
- Sunday 8.30 am, 10.30 am, 6 pm
- Public Holidays
- Closed
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6337 2036
Website: Website Link Here
#9 – Church Of the True Light
Introduction:
Church of the True Light has its beginning way back in 1911. A missionary of the C.E.Z missions in Singapore, Miss Apple first embarked on the idea of organizing a mission for the Heng-Hua speaking Chinese in Singapore. Mr (later Rev. Canon) Guok Koh Muo then a young man of 21 newly arrived from China and responded to the call. He started gospel meetings in the evenings with a handful of those from the Heng-Hua community in a friend’s barber shop in Bencoolen Street. As the congregation grew and outsized its place and a bigger premise became inevitable.
Location & Address: 25G Perak Rd, Singapore 208142
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday 8–9:30pm
- Thursday Closed
- Friday 7:30–9pm
- Weekends
- Saturday 4:30–6pm
- Sunday 9–10:45am, 11am–12:30pm, 5–6:30pm
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6294 0797
Website: Website Link Here
#10 – Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church
Introduction:
The Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church is located on Prinsep Street within Singapore’s central business district. It is approximately 350 metres from Rochor MRT station. The church, previously known as the Malay Mission Chapel, was founded by Rev. Benjamin Peach Keasberry in 1843.
Location & Address: 77 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188649
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays
- Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Price of Admission: Free
Contact: +65 6337 0595
Website: Website Link Here
Conclusion
Exploring Singapore’s cathedrals and churches has been a fascinating journey. Each site tells its own unique story, blending history, culture, and architecture. From the awe-inspiring St. Andrew’s Cathedral to the serene Armenian Church, these places offer more than just spiritual solace. They provide a glimpse into the diverse religious tapestry that makes Singapore so special.
Visiting these cathedrals and churches has deepened my appreciation for the city’s rich heritage. It’s not just about the buildings but the communities and traditions they represent. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or someone seeking a moment of peace, these spiritual sites are worth your time. Take a moment to step inside, soak in the atmosphere, and reflect on the stories etched in their walls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the must-visit cathedrals and churches in Singapore?
A: Some must-visit cathedrals and churches include St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the Armenian Church, and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
Q: Are guided tours available at these cathedrals and churches?
A: Yes, many of these cathedrals and churches offer guided tours to help visitors learn more about their history and architecture.
Q: What is the best time to visit these religious sites?
A: The best time to visit is during weekdays or non-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
Q: Can visitors attend services at these cathedrals and churches?
A: Yes, visitors are welcome to attend services, but it’s best to check the specific timings on their official websites.
Q: Are there any dress codes for visiting these cathedrals and churches?
A: Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully when visiting these religious sites, covering shoulders and knees.
Q: How can I get to these cathedrals and churches via public transport?
A: Most cathedrals and churches are easily accessible by MRT and buses; check local transport maps for the best routes.
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