St. Mary's Basilica, one of the oldest churches in
Bangalore, is situated opposite the Russel Market Square in Shivajinagar.
Originally it was a small chapel built by the French missionary, Abbe
Dubois in 1818 and was called 'Kaanike Mathe Devaalaya' (Our Lady of Presentation).
The church's present ornate Gothic style structure was built in 1882 by
Rev. L.E.Kleiner and the Blessed Mother Mary enshrined here was called
'Arogya Mathe' (Our Lady of good health). The interior of the church is
splendid with decorated stained-glass windows from Europe, multiple columns
with rich Corinthian capital supporting stately arches. The church was
elevated to the status of a Basilica in 1973. Every year on September
8th, crowds clad in saffron clothes gather here to celebrate the feast
of the Virgin Mary. As a part of the feast, an annual car procession is
also held here.
