The New Jerusalem 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.

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 18^th 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)