Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
A Gothic Revival church on South Boulevard completed in 1907 and made a minor basilica in 2011, known for its stained glass.
Overview
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Gothic Revival church on South Boulevard in Puducherry. It was completed in 1907 and is noted for its stained glass.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands on South Boulevard in Puducherry. Construction began in 1902 and the church was completed in 1907 and consecrated on 17 December 1907. Wikipedia describes the style as an oriental example of Gothic Revival architecture.
The building is a Latin cross plan about 50 m long, 48 m wide and 18 m high, with 24 main columns and rare stained-glass panels showing scenes from the life of Christ and saints, and statues of the four evangelists on the front facade. It was designated a minor basilica on 2 September 2011 and is administered by the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, with seating for about 2,000.
As a working church, services shape the day: Wikipedia lists Mass in Tamil at 6:00 am, 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm on weekdays, and on Sundays at 5:30 am, 7:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:00 pm (English) and 6:15 pm (Tamil), plus a 10:30 am Eucharistic Blessing on the first Friday. Visit outside service times for the stained glass, and dress modestly. General visiting hours and any fee are not stated in the sources used.
Entry fees
Fee information currently needs verification.
No entry fee or ticket information found.
We only show an amount when a source backs it. Prices change, so confirm locally before you go.
Opening hours
General visiting hours not found. Mass times (Wikipedia): Mon-Sat 6:00, 12:00, 18:00 (Tamil); Sun 5:30, 7:30, 12:00, 17:00 (English), 18:15 (Tamil).
Mass times from Wikipedia; may have changed.
Visitor information
- Best time to visit
- November to February
- Best time of day
- Morning outside Mass times
- How long to spend
- 30-45 minutes
- Families
- Suitable for families
Good to know
- Dress modestly and keep quiet during services (general practice)
Location
South Boulevard, Pondicherry, Puducherry
Puducherry, Puducherry, India
11.92626, 79.82704
Get directionsPhotos
Front view of the basilica. Photo: Vijayanandcelluloids / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 Bell tower. Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 Inside the basilica. Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 The 1907 basilica. Photo: Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 The church exterior. Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Frequently asked questions
When was the Sacred Heart Basilica built?
Construction started in 1902; the church was completed in 1907 and consecrated on 17 December 1907, per Wikipedia.
When did it become a basilica?
It was designated a minor basilica on 2 September 2011.
Information sources
Where the facts on this page come from, and what still needs confirming.
Information last checked 7 October 2026
Not yet confirmed
- Mass timings may have changed
Not available yet
- Official visiting hours
- Entry fee confirmation
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