Friday, September 21, 2012

The New Jerusalem Church – Tranquebar

Danish Church, Tranquebar

The New Jerusalem Church is one of a beautiful attraction of Tranquebar, built in the year of 1718 by Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, the first Protestant and Royal Missionary from Denmark to India. The church which was renovated lately to its original structure, without alteration, is yet to complete 300 years of built.

The architecture of the church is an interesting synthesis of indigenous Indian features and traditional European church building style.
Danish Church -  Side view
The church situated on the King’s Street is a pretty follow on Town Gate; and the white coated building with red tiled roof is an enthralling sight. The church built like a holy cross in shape, holds a small cemetery within its compound dating back to 18th century; and the Danish missionary and founder of the church Ziegenbalg is also buried in the churchyard.

Footnote:

Ziegenbalg died at a young age of 37, is the first to set up ever printing press in India at Tranquebar and published studies of Tamil language and Indian religion and culture in 1711. Ziegenbalg's prime cause is to promote Christianity in India, but his way of moving with society earned him respect of the people of all religion. (Info from the Hindu)

10 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

gorgeous building! beautiful gates! nice!

Linda said...

How fantastic! Great photos, love that building and gates!

Lakshmi said...

spectacular pics..love tranquebar

Rajesh said...

Wonderful ancient church.

eden said...

Beautiful church.

Indrani said...

Neatly composed shots.
Thanks for the info on this.

Bob Bushell said...

The building is superb.

Kalyan said...

beautiful captures...wish to visit this place sometime in the future.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Brilliant!

Vetirmagal said...

Pretty place indeed. With the sea breeze, clear blue sky and white building, it seems a nice place for worship.