Roman Catholic Church at
Sardhana is noted for its architectural ingenuity. The church is dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was designed by Italian architect Anthony Reghelini and it cost around 0.5 million rupees in 1822. Two huge lakes in the vicinity of the church were created by the earth dug up as building material.
Roman Catholic Church at Sardhana is noted for its architectural ingenuity. The church is dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was designed by Italian architect Anthony Reghelini and it cost around 0.5 million rupees in 1822. Two huge lakes in the vicinity of the church were created by the earth dug up as building material.
Two steeples with lofty spires of the church arrest the eyes. On the left are two large bells. Eighteen Doric pillars line the verandah. Three domes and two spires are crowned with gilded metal balls mounted with metal crosses. The octagonal lantern above the central dome shows influence of Islamic architecture. The lantern is made of finely chiseled and perforated slate and is capped with black and white marble. The main altar is of white marble and is inlaid with a floral design of semi-precious stones. The altar steps and sanctuary floor are of black and white marble. The statue of Mary is above the niche.
There is a long wing on either side of the sanctuary and the left wing houses an 18-foot carrara marble monument. It features 11 life-size figures and three panels in bas-relief. A statue of the Begum, who built the church, dressed in Islamic robes is seen here. Immediately below her stand four figures and further below are six symbolic figures.
The sacred image of the Lady of Graces was enshrined in 1957. Pope John XXIII raised the church to the status of Minor Basilica in 1961.
The church was partially damaged during the earthquake in October 2005.
