The Oldest Churches in Pune and the Stories Behind Their Architecture

Pune’s church heritage stretches back nearly two centuries, shaped by British, Portuguese, and local Christian communities. Many of these churches served soldiers, early settlers, and missionary families, and several still retain their original Gothic or colonial architecture. 

Here are the oldest and most historically significant churches in the city, enriched with additional authentic details.

1. St. Paul’s Church, Agarkar Nagar

Established: 1863 | Inaugurated: 1867
St. Paul’s is one of Pune’s finest examples of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture. Built from locally quarried black basalt stone, it features pointed arches, carved wooden pews, and stained-glass windows typical of Anglican churches of the era. The church originally catered to British officers stationed around Pune Cantonment and remains an important heritage monument.

2. St. Ignatius Church, Khadki

Inaugurated: 1876
Located in the Khadki Cantonment (formerly Kirkee), St. Ignatius is among the earliest Roman Catholic churches in the region. Its tall central tower and lantern cross make it a landmark during Christmas. It once served the Irish and British troops posted at the Kirkee Arsenal. The church still preserves wooden rafters, arched windows, and large parish grounds.

3. St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Model Colony, Shivajinagar

Origins: 1960s | Current Structure: 2023
This parish began as a small community chapel for Catholic families living near the University and Shivajinagar areas. With a rapidly growing congregation, a modern new structure was inaugurated in 2023 with a marble altar, contemporary lighting, and a large adoration chapel. It blends heritage roots with modern architecture.

4. Carmel Parish Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Wadgaon Sheri

Inaugurated: 1993
A key parish for the Syro-Malabar community (one of India’s oldest Eastern Catholic traditions). The church follows the East-Syriac liturgical tradition, and its façade features characteristic motifs of the Carmelite order. It serves the vibrant Malayali Catholic population of Kalyani Nagar–Wagholi–Viman Nagar belt.

5. St. Mary’s Church, Camp (The Oldest Anglican Church in Pune)

Established: 1820 | Inaugurated: 1825
Often called the “Mother Church of the Deccan,” St. Mary’s is one of the oldest surviving churches in Maharashtra. Built for British soldiers, it houses military plaques, regimental colours, and memorials dating back to the East India Company. Its colonial façade and pipe organ make it historically significant.

6. St. Xavier’s Catholic Church, Camp

Established: 1862
One of the earliest Roman Catholic parishes in the cantonment, St. Xavier’s was built by Jesuit missionaries and became a hub for education and community work. Its tall bell tower, polished wooden interiors, and old cemetery reflect deep cultural roots.

7. All Saints’ Church, Khadki

Built: 1866
Part of the Church of North India (CNI), All Saints’ is a beautifully preserved Anglican stone church with a steep tiled roof and lancet windows. The surrounding Khadki cantonment lends it an old-world charm. It was used heavily by soldiers posted in Kirkee during World War I and II.

8. Christ the King Church, Sainikwadi (Wadgaon Sheri)

Established: Mid-20th century
A prominent Catholic parish for families in Kalyani Nagar–Sainikwadi–Viman Nagar region. It is known for its open-air Christmas celebrations and well-organised choir. The architecture blends traditional church layout with a simple, modern façade.

9. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ghorpadi

Consecrated: 1850
A major landmark of Pune, St. Patrick’s Cathedral was built by Irish Jesuits for troops and civilians. Its Neo-Gothic pointed arches, ribbed vaults and twin bell towers (added later) give it a European cathedral-like feel. It became the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Poona when the diocese was formed in 1886.

10. Shrine of St. Anthony, Camp

Early 20th Century
Popular for its Tuesday novenas, this shrine attracts people of all faiths. The altar dedicated to St. Anthony and its quiet prayer hall make it one of Pune’s most visited devotional spaces.