The Armenian Church

Updated April 5, 2026

The Armenian Church, formally Saint Mary Church of Chennai, is an 18th-century place of worship in the George Town neighborhood of Chennai, India.

What to Expect

You will find the church on Armenian Street, a quiet, leafy haven within the busy George Town area. The site is known for its six-bell tower, or belfry. The courtyard contains ancient gravestones inscribed with Armenian script. Access is through a signed door on the street.

History & Significance

The church was originally constructed in 1712 and then reconstructed in 1772. It stands as one of the oldest churches on the Indian subcontinent. Its presence is a testament to Chennai’s historic Armenian merchant community that once flourished in the city.

Practical Information

The address is 37VQ+H5M, 60/116, Armenian Street, near High Court, Parry’s Corner, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001, India. The church has a 4.6 out of 5 rating. As of recent years, the caretaker has been Jude Johnson, a relative of the previous caretaker, Trevor Alexander.

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Hidden away on Armenian Street in Chennai’s old George Town, the Armenian Church isn’t the first place most people think to visit. Yet, this 18th-century beauty, dating back to 1712 (and rebuilt in 1772), is one of India’s oldest places of worship.

You’ll spot six enormous bells hanging in the belfry, ringing out every Sunday morning, and almost 350 graves of Armenian merchants who made their lives here centuries ago. Most folks hurry past this part of the city, but if you step in, you’ll find a tiny world that tells the story of a community that sailed from Armenia to trade silk, spices, and gems—and left their mark on Chennai.

The church stays off the typical tourist radar, which, honestly, is part of its charm. You can wander up to those bells (some from 1754!) and stroll the grounds, where the founder of the world’s first Armenian newspaper is buried.

It’s not just a spot for pretty photos or architectural buffs. The Armenian Church is open daily from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, and it’s a chance to slip into a quieter, lesser-known chapter of Chennai’s story.

Key Takeaways

• Built in 1712, the Armenian Church is one of India’s oldest, and that six-bell belfry is something you won’t see anywhere else in Chennai.
• Doors are open from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, and you’re welcome to explore the grounds and the 350 Armenian graves.
• This place is a living reminder of Chennai’s old Armenian merchant community, tucked right in the heart of George Town.

About The Armenian Church

This 18th-century church is one of Chennai’s oldest religious buildings—built by Armenian traders who made George Town their home. Those six bells and the hundreds of graves outside? They’re a testament to a community that was once thriving in colonial Madras.

History and Significance

The first church went up in 1712, on the private chapel grounds of Aga Shawmier, a big-name Armenian merchant. After about sixty years, it was rebuilt in 1772 and consecrated as you see it today.

Unlike the British, who were all about cotton, the Armenians were here for silk, spices, and gems. Their influence still lingers in unexpected corners of the city.

There are roughly 350 graves scattered across the grounds. Harutyun Shmavonyan—famous for starting the world’s first Armenian periodical (“Azdarar”)—is buried here. There’s also a plaque for Coja Petrus Oscan, in honor of his generosity to the Armenian community.

What Makes It Special

Those bells set this church apart. Each one weighs around 150 kilograms, ranging from 21 to 26 inches—supposedly the biggest bells in Chennai.

They weren’t all cast together. The oldest dates back to 1754, and it was recast in 1808 with Tamil inscriptions. Two bells were donated in memory of Eliazar Shawmier, the youngest son of the original landowner. The two newest bells? They came from London’s Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1837.

Every Sunday at 9:30 AM, the caretaker rings all six bells. These days, only three Armenian families are left in Chennai to hear them. The Armenian Apostolic Church funds the site, and the Armenian Church Committee in Calcutta looks after it. Opening hours run from 9 AM to 2:30 PM—though you might want to check locally, just in case.

What to See and Do

The Armenian Church rewards the curious with distinctive architectural features and a peaceful courtyard that feels a world away from George Town’s chaos. Drop by between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM, any day you like, and take your time.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The belfry is the star of the show. Six bells hang in three neat rows, each about 150 kilograms. Two are from 1754 and 1778, another pair from Thomas Mears of London (1837), and the last two were gifts from Eliazar Shawmier. Come on a Sunday morning at 9:30, and you’ll hear all six ring together—a sound that’s echoed here for centuries.

Inside, religious paintings line the walls, and there’s a quirky chessboard floor. The main altar features Mother Mary carrying Jesus to heaven—a striking centerpiece. Outside, the courtyard holds about 350 Armenian graves, including Haroutiun Shmavonian, who launched India’s first Armenian journal, Azdarar, in 1747. The last burial happened in 1850, so it’s more a memorial now than an active cemetery.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re sensitive to Chennai’s heat, November through March is hands-down the best time to visit. The church is open daily from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, so try to get there early if you want to catch the bell ringing on Sundays.

There’s no entry fee, which makes it perfect for a spontaneous detour if you’re already near Parrys Corner. Armenian Street is busy and full of life—after your visit, you might want to poke around the local shops for leather goods or spices.

Visitor Information

You’ll find the Armenian Church on Armenian Street, right in George Town’s Parry’s Corner. Getting there isn’t complicated, whether you’re hopping off at Chennai Beach Railway Station or grabbing a rickshaw from elsewhere in the city.

Location and How to Get There

The address is 60/116 Armenian Street, close to the High Court in George Town. Chennai Beach Railway Station is just a five-minute walk away—super convenient if you’re okay with weaving through the crowds of Parry’s Corner.

Auto-rickshaw, taxi, electric train—pick your favorite way to get around Chennai and you’ll get here. From the airport, it’s about 15 kilometers, maybe a 45-minute drive on a good day. If you’re coming from Chennai Central railway station, it’s a short auto ride or a 20-minute walk through the bustling market district.

Driving yourself? Parking’s a headache in this part of town, so it’s smarter to show up early, before the streets fill up.

Tips for Visitors

The Armenian Church in Chennai opens its doors daily from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. There’s no entry fee, which is always a nice surprise, but those hours aren’t flexible—don’t bother rolling up late.

If you’re around on a Sunday morning at 9:30, you’ll catch something rare: all six historic bells ringing out together. The sound carries through the quiet streets, and honestly, it’s a moment that lingers.

Each bell weighs about 150 kilograms, and they’re among the heaviest you’ll find in any church across Chennai. It’s impressive, even if you’re not a bell enthusiast.

Modest clothing is a must. Even though the church mainly stands as a heritage site these days, it’s still a living place of worship.

Wander out into the courtyard and you’ll notice about 350 Armenian graves. One belongs to Haroutiun Shmavonian, the guy who started India’s first Armenian journal way back in 1747.

If you have a moment, read a few of the tombstone inscriptions. They’re packed with stories—tales of Armenian traders who made Chennai their home ages ago.

Tour groups rarely find their way here, so crowds just aren’t a thing. On a weekday, you might even have the entire place to yourself.