Church of ‘Our Lady of Light', popularly known as Luz Church, is located in a tiny corner of
Mylapore, in
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu. The church, commonly known as ‘Kaatu Kovil' (Church located in a forest) amongst the local populace, was built by Franciscan missionaries from Portugal in honor of Mother Mary in 1516. It is the first church built in honor of 'Our Lady of Light' and is believed to be the oldest church in Chennai.
The church, over the years had withstood the vagaries of time and human misadventures: it was damaged when Golconda forces occupied it in the 17th century; later it was occupied by Hyder Ali in the late 18th century. The East India Company also occupied Luz church for some time.
The Luz Church is noteworthy for its old European ecclesiastical architecture. The Gothic arches and flying buttresses, baroque ornamentation and elegant classical lines, designed in European style, add to its charm.
The annual feast, celebrated on August 15th, is a major draw.
