The Way of St James or Camino de Santiago dates back to the 9th Century. It is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that start in different cities and leads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. There are many different route options ranging from about 120km to 1000km. But did you know that Singapore has its own mini Camino? Passing by the most beautiful historical churches? However, there is no need to spend the night as it can be walked in one day.
Singapore Camino
During the Pandemic with travel restrictions, Adventure Unlimited announced Singapore’s own Camino.
Singapore’s Camino passes by some of the oldest churches. Many of which were founded over 100 years ago. For example, the oldest dating back to 1835.
Using The Adventure Unlimited Guide, we customise our route Singapore Camino city trail. You can even purchase an SG Camino Passport from them if you wish.
Firstly we planned to start from Novena. Walk down to Little India, past Bugis, City hall, through to Chinatown. And finally up to Orchard and finish at Dempsey Hill.
I recommend starting early in the morning. Because the sun can get extremely hot in the concrete city. Make sure you stay hydrated by bringing water. And since the walk is mainly in Singapore CBD, a cafe is always close by for a refreshing juice.
I wore my Teva trekking sandals, which are ideal for walking in the city. Comfortable and breathable.
Below are the churches we visited. And in true nature to me, I researched each to find out about them and interesting facts. So here it is.
Church of Saint Alphonsus
1935
Architecture style : Gothic Revival
Denomination : Roman Catholic
Church of Saint Alphonsus also known as the Novena Church. It is interesting to know that the area is named after the church instead of the church after the area. From January 1949 the church held novenas. The novena, also known as nine in Latin, is a method of prayer, a devotion lasting for nine consecutive days.
Kampong Kapor Methodist Church
1929
Architecture style : Quasi-Art Deco
Denomination : Methodist
This striking quasi-Art Deco style church is the first Peranakan (Straits Chinese) church. Before KKMC was originally on Middle Road, in a Gothic style church, which was inaugurated in 1894. However, growing in size they moved in 1930 to the new site, a short distance away in Little India.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
1888
Architecture style : Gothic Revival
Denomination : Catholic
The structure was based on the Basilica at Lourdes in France. The main church was undamaged when two bombs fell on its premises during World War II in 1942. However other structures were not so lucky. Afterwards the Japanese Army used the church as a headquarters.
Also see : Exploring 200km circumnavigating Singapore
Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church
1843
Architecture style : Romanesque
Denomination : Presbyterian
Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church is the oldest Presbyterian church in Singapore. The building is inspired by Spanish architecture.
St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street)
1912
Architecture style : Gothic Revival
Denomination : Roman Catholic
Built in the shape of a Latin cross by a Portuguese mission. Furthermore on the front of this church are Portuguese decorative tiles, with scenes of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima.
Church of Saints Peter & Paul
1879
Architecture style : Gothic Revival
Denomination : Roman Catholic
What makes this church building unique, is that it is built in a tropical Gothic style. Moreover, the building has beautiful stained glass windows that were made in France.
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Rectory
1847
Architecture style : Renaissance Revival
Denomination : Roman Catholic
Aside from being the oldest Roman Catholic church in Singapore. The cathedral is also home to the oldest pipe organ in Singapore, built by Bevington and Sons.
CHIJMES
1854
Architecture style : Neoclassical Gothic
Denomination : –
The first building on the property was Caldwell House in 1854. Other buildings followed and housed a school, as well as an orphanage. The Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) was built in 1904. A Gothic chapel inspired by Anglo-French architecture.
Now the school is replaced by restaurants and the chapel is used for events. Did you know there is a Gate of Hope, also known as the Baby Gate? A rather sad tale, families once left babies they didn’t want, sickly or dying, outside the door, and the orphanage took them in.
Also see : Exploring Joo Chiat – a free self-guided street art walking tour
Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator
1835
Architecture style : Neoclassical
Denomination : Oriental Orthodox (unsure)
Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator is the oldest and first Christian church in Singapore. Located here are the tombstones of a few well know, for instance the Sarkies brothers. Who built the Raffles Hotel in Singapore as well as the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
1861
Architecture style : neo-Gothic structure
Denomination : Anglican
St Andrew’s Cathedral has an interesting history with the bells. The eight original bells, named after the apostles. They were presented to the cathedral in 1889 to commemorate the landing of Sir Stamford Raffles in Singapore 70 years earlier. The largest bell is a tenor, and the smallest is a treble. Interestingly, both are pitched to E.
Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church
1889
Architecture style : Eastern and Western not conform to standard church design
Denomination : Methodist
When you walk around the outside of the church building you will see the buffer wall. It was added to the structure to protect it from stray bullets during WWII.
Church of St Teresa
1929
Architecture style : Romano-Byzantine style
Denomination : Catholic
Church of St Teresa was Singapore’s first ‘rural’ church. In addition the church building is in the Romano- Byzantine architecture style, the only one in this style.
St. George’s Church
1911
Architecture style : Romanesque style
Denomination : Anglican
St. George’s Church was started as a Christian ministry in the British military garrison in the 1860s. In later years as the ministry grew the current building was constructed and the first service held in 1911.
Church of the Sacred Heart
1910
Architecture style : French Baroque style
Denomination : Roman Catholic
This church is situated next to where the old Tank Road Railway station used to be. This station used to be the main station in Singapore before the opening of the Tanjong Pagar Railway station in 1932.
Orchard Road Presbyterian Church
1878
Architecture style : Palladian architecture
Denomination : Presbyterian
Not the oldest but one of the earliest Presbyterian churches in Singapore. Due to the high number of Scots attending the church, it was also known as the Scots church.
Wesley Methodist Church
1908
Architecture style : Late decorated Gothic style
Denomination : Methodist
And lastly, Wesley Methodist Church was the first Methodist church to be established in Singapore. It started in 1885 with services held in the Town Hall. The first service was held in the current church building in 1908.
Special mention:
Now these are not part of the Singapore Camino but I think they need their own special mention due to the unique architecture.
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- Church of the Blessed Sacrament
- Church of the Holy family
- Danish Seamens Church
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In conclusion we started early just after 6am, by 11pm it was rather hot with no cloud cover and called it a day. We will return to complete the last few, (all though I have passed them numerous times). Furthermore, I really enjoyed the walk with my husband and would recommend to walk it with someone. Hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about the oldest churches and cathedrals in Singapore. Leave us a comment below if you have done it or planning to do it soon.
Remember keep hydrated & see you around!
xxx
Research: Roots.gov.sg, history.catcholic.sg and the various churches websites.
For map and route follow The Adventure Unlimited Guide
Opinions expressed are my own.
