Chennai is home to quite a few architectural marvels. One of them is Fort St George. Set up in 1644 by the British East India Company, this heritage site in Rajaji Salai not only serves as the high seat for the Tamil Nadu government but is a major spot to visit for any history and art lover!
Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Fort St George houses two main attractions. One of them is St Mary's Church. Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, this church is the oldest Anglican church in India. Built between 1670 to 1680, the architecture is impressive, exuding calm and elegance both. The glass windows, wall frescos, teak plaques, and antique structures have withstood the test of time and continue to dazzle. Don’t miss the tombstones at the church and the ruins of the 150-foot flagstaff made of teakwood.
Next is the Fort Museum. Built in 1795, this building is three storeys tall and has all sorts of antique treasures spread across ten galleries. Swords, rifles, pistols, cannon shots, mortars, uniforms of Army officers, medals and official porcelain tableware, you will find a lot of imperial beauties that the British personnel used back when they lived in the fort.
Fort St George Museum also houses some of the original letters written by some prominent British Raj figures in the Madras Presidency. There's also an impressive marble statue of Lord Cornwallis as you enter. Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, the entry to the museum is ticketed at just INR 5. A ride to our imperial past for just that much amount. Now that's something!
Wondering how to get there? The nearest railway station is the Chennai Central Railway. There are various MTC buses that also go here. While there, you can also check out the Madras High Court which is at a distance of 2.8 km and Victoria War Memorial which is at a distance of 800 m from the fort.
