Top 6 Sacred & Religious Sites in Museum, Singapore

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.