St. Mary's Cathedral, Madurai

St. Mary's Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Madurai. Its foundation stone was laid in 1840 by Daniel Wilson, then Bishop of Madras, and the Gothic Revival design was the work of the architect Robert Fellowes Chisholm. Shortage of money and practical difficulties slowed the work, and the church was consecrated only in 1916.

The front carries carved sculptures and ornamental detail beneath tall spires. Inside, arches and vaulted ceilings rise overhead, and stained glass windows show scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. Gardens and shaded paths surround the building, which has long served the city's Christian community for weddings, baptisms, funerals and festivals.