Monuments in Chennai

Monument can be defined as an institute or building of some historic significance preserved as a memorial or national property. This institute or a building can be anything such forts, graves, tomb or anything of some ancient importance having some notable legendary person associated with it.

Chennai too has some beautiful monuments exhibiting the historical events in the history of Chennai.

Fort St. George: Constructed in 1640 A.D. under the guidance of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon of British East India Company, this fort is named after an adorable and honorable saint of England Saint George. At present Saint Mary’s Church and Fort Museum are located in the compound of the Fort. Saint Mary’s Church was built in 1680 and is the oldest Church in India. The Fort Museum has an excellent collection of memorable antiques of British and French East India companies rule in India.

Theosophical Society: Constituted with an intention of encouraging and promoting the students for study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. The Society of established by Madam Blavatsky and Col. Olott in the beautiful area of Adyar, later the society was shifted to Adyar in 1882. Besides the beautiful collection of valuable items of various religions and the Garden of remembrance, the major attraction of the society is a library established 95 years back, has an excellent collection of rare manuscripts written on palm leaves.

High Court Building: Constructed in 1892 the High Court Building is assumed to be one of the largest judicial buildings in the world. Built by red stone the building is designed in Indo-Saracenic architecture is considered as milestone in the history of Chennai.

Senate House: Designed by one of renowned architect of 19th century Robert Fellowes in 1873, the Senate House is one of the most fascinating illustrations of an excellent architecture. Located in the campus of Chennai University, the house is blend of Indo-Saracenic and Byzantine architecture. The houses has a central hall and beautiful corridors supported by six huge stone pillars on both sides of walls. It is considered as one of the most beautiful Senate house of any University in India.

St. Mary’s Church: Built in 1680 it is considered as one of the oldest Church existing in Chennai. The major attractions of the church are remainders of early governors of Chennai namely Robert Clive and Elihu Yale.
 
Ripon Building: Located in West of Central Station Ripon Building is regarded as the most beautiful buildings of Chennai. At present it serves as the headquarter of Corporation of Chennai. In 1913 the Municipal Corporation of Chennai finally got their office settled in this building. Mr. P.L. Moore was the then President of Municipal Corporation. The architecture of building is the blend of Gothic, Ionic and Corinthian architect cure.