Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians - 5 Things to Know Before Visiting
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About Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
A unique feature of the Cathedral Church building is that it stands on sand. The type of foundation was recommended since the region, where Shillong is located, is prone to severe earthquakes. At the time of building the foundation, trenches were cut from rock and half-filled with sand. The structure has no direct connection with the rock. Theoretically, the Church building, in times of earthquakes, can rock safely on the shock-absorbing sand which is supposed to reduce the earthquake's effects.
Hotels near Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Hotels to stay near Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Top Trips and Tours in Meghalaya
Tours and activities in Meghalaya that might be of interest to you
Attractions Near Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Ward's Lake
0.93km from Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
One of the most popular attractions of Shillong, Ward’s lake is a must-visit place when in this pristine north-eastern city. Also known as Pollock’s Lake, this artificial water body is encircled by an extensive lush garden and lies in the middle of the city. Take a walk around this horse-shoe shaped lake on the cobble-stone path or simply admire the colorful floral beds in the garden. It is equally popular amidst locals, family vacationers and honeymooning couples, as a picnic spot.
Lady Hydari Park
0.97km from Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Scenic, manicured green space with flowering gardens, a lake, and a small zoo.
Shillong Golf Course
1.8km from Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Shillong Golf Course, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is one of the oldest, biggest and finest natural golf circuits around the world. It is situated in a mesmerizing beautiful vale that is surrounded with thick pine and rhododendron forestation.
Shillong View Point
2.85km from Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Mountaintop with observation towers offering views of the sweeping vistas of Shillong City.
Air Force Museum
7.31km from Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
The museum offers its visitors an insight into the history of the Indian Air Force and its events, especially during the Indo - Pak War of 1971. Among other things, the museum provides information on the history of planes and aircraft, models of aircrafts, the world's oldest airport, and the Wright brothers’ memorial.
Elephant Falls
7.73km from Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Dramatic, multi-tiered waterfalls in picturesque surrounds, with an easy walking trail and stairs. The local Khasi people called it Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew (or “Three Steps Waterfalls”). The British renamed the falls because there used to be a rock resembling an elephant near the left side of the main falls (which I think was the bottommost one). However, that rock was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1897.
Discover More Attractions in East Khasi Hills, Home of Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
East Khasi Hills
11 attractions
The East Khasi Hills District is mostly hilly with deep gorges and ravines on the southern portion. The most important physiographic features of the district is the Shillong Plateau interspersed with river valley, then fall sharply in the southern portion forming deep gorges and ravine in Mawsynram and Shella-Bholaganj bordering Bangladesh.
Location of Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
What Visitors Say About Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
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Nithin Mathew
2015-12-01
The church was built by the Catholic missionaries to the north east area of India. It has a modern gothic architecture, and unlike most of the other churches I have seen, this is painted in dark blue.
A unique feature of the church is that it stands on sand. Shillong is prone to severe earthquakes, and this is done to prevent damage on the church at the times of earthquakes. At the time of building the church's foundation, trenches were cut from rock and half filled with sand. The church so has no direct connection with the rock. Theoratically, at times of earthquakes the sand underneath should provide elesticity for the structure so that it can rock safely on the shock absorbing sand, supposedly to reducing the intensity.
Cameras are not allowed inside the church so no pictures, but it is magnificent in there. There are no restrictions on using camera outside though.