Currently Empty: ₹0.00
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry
✝️ Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry
💰 Entry Fee: Free
📞 Phone: 0413 233 2857
⭐ Rating: 4.0 / 5 (Based on 33 reviews)
📍 Address: 204, Mission Street, MG Road Area, Pondicherry – 605001, India
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, also known as Samba Kovil by locals, is one of the oldest and most revered Roman Catholic churches in Pondicherry. Originally built in 1689 by French missionaries, this majestic cathedral serves as the mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. Its elegant white-and-blue façade, French-Portuguese inspired design, and sacred ambiance attract both devotees and tourists seeking history, architecture, and peace.
🧭 Location & Getting There
The Cathedral is centrally located near Promenade Beach and easily accessible via local autos, taxis, or by walking through the MG Road area. Surrounded by tree-lined avenues and colonial buildings, it is a tranquil stop in the heart of the city.
Send a Massage
🌟 Highlights of Immaculate Conception Cathedral
✔ One of the oldest churches in Pondicherry (built in 1689)
✔ French, Herrian & Portuguese influenced architecture
✔ Blue-tinted ceilings, golden pillars & stained-glass windows
✔ Locally known as Samba Kovil
✔ Mass conducted in Tamil & English
✔ Mother Teresa once visited the church
✔ Annual feast celebrated on 8th December
✔ Located near Promenade Beach and MG Road
🚗 How to Reach
✔ By Air: 6.5 km from Pondicherry Airport
✔ By Train: 1.3 km from Pondicherry Railway Station
✔ By Road: 3.2 km from Pondicherry Bus Stand
✔ Nearby Landmark: Gandhi Statue on Promenade Beach (~600m away)
💡 Travel Tips
✔ Visit early in the morning or evening to avoid crowds
✔ Photography allowed—be discreet during Mass
✔ Dress modestly, especially during prayer services
✔ Best visited from October to March for pleasant weather
✔ Combine with nearby attractions like Promenade Beach, Aurobindo Ashram & French War Memorial
✔ Attend evening Mass for a spiritually enriching experience
📜 History
The first church was built by French Jesuit missionaries in 1689, but it was destroyed just a year later by Dutch invaders. Rebuilt multiple times over the next few centuries, the current structure dates to the 18th century and stands on the foundations of the third reconstructed church.
The cathedral’s architecture has evolved over time, incorporating elements from French, Herrian, and Portuguese styles. Inside, the golden-lit sanctuary, carved wooden pews, and ceiling artwork depicting Christ’s life add to its spiritual charm.
✨ Fun Fact: The cathedral’s old altar and structure were blessed by Mother Teresa during one of her visits.
🕯️ Mass Schedule
| Day | Mass Timings | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Saturday | 5:15 AM, 6:15 AM, 5:30 PM | Tamil |
| Sunday | 5:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 5:15 PM | Tamil |
| Sunday | 6:15 PM | English |
🛕 Visiting Hours
| Day | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM |