Dear LG Community,
I’m excited to start another series on a topic I’m passionate about : Heritage of India. This series is based on my recent heritage tour of Agra under the guidance of popular historian Sohail Hashmi.
Inscription Detailing the history of this ancient Church
The 8th part of this series is all about one of the oldest churches in North India, The Church of Pieta, more commonly known as Akbar’s Church.
A beautiful painting of Blessed Virgin Mary holding Child Jesus
Origins of this Church :
The Portuguese monopolized sea route through the Cape of Good Hope, which started with the voyage of Vasco da Gama in 1498. During the conquest of Gujarat in 1512, we find the 1st instance of contact between Akbar and the Portuguese.
In 1573, Antonio Cabral was sent as an emmissary by the Portuguese to the court of Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri. The construction of the Church of Pieta was completed in 1599, on the land granted by Akbar to the Jesuit Fathers who visited his court at the time.
The inside of the Church has beautiful architecture and designs
The Church was forced to be pulled down by Shah Jahan in 1635, due to a conflict with the Portuguese, in a power struggle for the sea route. It was rebuilt in 1636, after he allowed the Jesuits to use the material of the old Church to build a new one.
An old wall clock, which has Walter Reinhardt’s name.
In 1758, Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasion of Agra led to the destruction of the church. In 1769 Walter Reinhardt, then Commander of Agra Fort, helped Fr. Xavier Wendel S.J. to rebuild the Church.
Other Interesting Facts :
- Begum Johana Sumroo, the Begum of Sardhana is widely believed to have been baptized here. She was the wife of Walter Reinhardt
- The Church was renamed to Church of Pieta in 2013
- There is a cemetary near the church. One noteable figure buried here is that of Pater J Tieffenthaler, one of the earliest and most important cartographers to map India. Many other graves, dated as early as the 17th century can be found here.
A beautiful structure built above a cluster of graveyards
The magnificent Cathedral House is situated nearby.
Accessibility :
We can visit the church from 11 AM to 6 PM. The peace and tranquil atmosphere will instantly make us calm as well. This church has a deeply spiritual and historical vibe as soon as we enter it. I would recommend everyone to visit this holy place on your next trip to Agra.
How to reach Agra :
- By Road : Agra is well-connected by road, notably via the Yamuna Expressway from Delhi, which offers a smooth and quick journey. You can travel by private car, taxi, or numerous bus services from surrounding cities.
- By Air: Agra has its own airport, Kheria Airport (AGR), which is primarily a military base but offers limited commercial flights, mainly connecting to Delhi. Many travelers opt to fly to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and then travel to Agra by road.
Recommended Stay Option :
- Hotel Maple Ridge
I stayed at this hotel, it is pocket friendly and easily accessible by Metro, centrally located.
Link to my previous posts in this series :
