Right on the main road of Canning Street stands a Calcutta Renaissance style red building with a soaring clock tower. Many dismiss it as an old church, but this heritage building is in fact one of India’s grandest and largest synagogue whose architectural brilliance will mesmerise you, once inside. Built in 1884 by EDJ Ezra, the Star of David above the imposing wooden doors leads into the sanctuary of Maghen David Synagogue (Hebrew for Shield of David). The black-and-white chequered nave opens up to an ornate interior that’s lined with floriated columns and curved arches that bear Hebrew inscriptions. The stained-glass windows, the colourful tiles of the raised alter, the painted deep-blue and gold stars dotted apse and the vintage Belgian-glass chandeliers—all make for a gorgeous scene that is both awe-inspiring and difficult to forget.