City: Colonial District/Civic District
Top Things to do in Colonial District/Civic District
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Things to do in Singapore, Singapore: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.
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1. Armenian Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 111 reviews
Take a walk in the lush gardens of the Armenian Church before entering the church and admire the exterior architecture. Breathing history and rich heritage the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator is the oldest Church of Singapore and is a gazetted National Monument.
Reviewed By jeanettem190 - Cairns, Australia
The Armenian Church, more correctly called St Gregory the Illuminator's Armenian Catholic Church is conveniently situated between Fort Canning Park, Orchard Rd and the Padang. The first thing you'll notice is how small the church is! Perhaps that's a reflection of the tiny size of the early Armenian population of Singapore. It was designed by George Coleman; an Irishman who was the best in the business in those days. Have a good look at the imposing Doric columns out front, and the handy (and typically Singaporean) covered drive through porch; ideal for letting the ladies and gents get out of their carriages in a pouring rainstorm. Inside you'll see the dome over the sanctuary; a typical Armenian architectural feature. Be sure to visit the graveyard (or perhaps 'memorial garden'; I think the remains have been moved). You can visit Miss Joaquin's gravestone. She's the young lady who is credited with creating the Vanda Miss Joaquin orchid; the national flower of Singapore. They have a nice example of this orchid climbing alongside Miss Joaquin's grave stone. Have a look at the other gravestones featuring traditional Armenian decorative art and lots of writing in the Armenian alphabet. You'll also see the church office tucked away in the back. This building was the original priest's residence.
2. St Andrew's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 402 reviews
St Andrew’s Cathedral is one of Singapore’s most treasured works of architecture. Gazetted as a national monument on 1973, you’ll stand in awe at its majestic facade, with extended pinnacles and a glossy white exterior. Take a coffee break and enjoy our free wifi at The Cathedral Cafe which is conveniently located beside the City Hall MRT entrance (North Bridge Road).
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
In the center of Singapore is the cornerstone of British colonialism, a gorgeous, sparkling white, neo-gothic Anglican church. As an Episcopalian, we had to visit for a service and we greatly enjoyed. While the exterior is stunning white against a lush green environment, the interior is a beautiful balance of shades of blue with natural wood and white. I will also say the service was truly worldly with a English rector, Nigerian associate and a congregation of Chinese parishioners. For us it was one of the highlights of our visit to Singapore. However, even if you are not an Anglican, it is an impressive house of worship.
