Our Lady Of Angels Church

The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges known as the church of Our Lady of Angels is one of the best attractions of Pondicherry. Facing the Bay of Bengal, the church lies at the quiet corner of Dumas Street and Surcoof Street. One of the old-world charms, the church is visited by tourists and locals alike. Experience the bliss of the divine and marvel at the marvelous architecture.

Built in Greco-Roman architecture, credit for its construction goes to the engineer Louis Guerre (1800-1865). The elegant church has a divine angelic feel to it. It was also known as the White Chapel owing to its color. The unique shade had been concocted by a mixture of limestone with the white of eggs.

This blend has created a texture like white marble. The structure of the church bears a likeness to the Basilica at Lourdes (southern France). It is simply awe-inspiring. Before you enter the church, pray to Mother Mary holding young Jesus in her arms. Inside the church, marvel at the architecture.

There are various paintings and portrayals from religious texts. There are eight barrel vaults and a central dome pierced with eight round openings. There are many relics housed here brought from France during the colonial rule. There are also statues of the Joan of Arc and other saints and personalities.

The church of Our Lady of Angels is the only church in Pondicherry where mass is celebrated every Sunday, in all the three languages of the city: French, English, and Tamil. Attend the holy congregation and feel the divine connection.

History of Our Lady of Angels Church

The Church was built in 1865 by French Missionaries in the Greek-Roman architectural style. It was modeled after the Basilica at Lourdes located in Southern France. The masonry is done using fine limestone, mixed with the white part of the egg, giving it a texture that looks like white marble. The church is named in the honor of Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Angels.

Architecture of Our Lady of Angels Church

The facade of the church has two large columns. The interior central dome has eight circular openings. The pastel peach and lime colors give it a very serene appearance. This church is also famous for its rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, which was a gift from the French Emperor, Napoleon III.

The cemetery next to the church has the tomb of Marquis de Bussy (dated 1785), who was one of the famous governors of Pondicherry. In front of the church is a statue of Mary with the infant Jesus in her arms. A marble statue of the heroic French warrior Joan of Arc is placed in the middle of a garden, in front of the Church.