Talking about the most historical and cosmopolitan cities of India, Kolkata is one of them. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a one-stop destination for those who are passionate about architecture, painting, art, and culture. Kolkata has so far managed to retain its heritage. You can see the stunning architecture of the city in the many structures located here. While many big buildings have been built in the race of modernity, even today many old buildings in Kolkata tell their own stories. Today we are telling you about some famous old buildings located in Kolkata.
Writers Building
This iconic building was first opened to the public in 1780. Writers Building B.B.D. It is located in Bagh, formerly known as Dalhousie Square. The building was home to the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal and other state officials. It is now the secretariat building of the state government, but earlier it used to house the junior clerk of the East India Company. Most of the important offices have been shifted to a new building. At the top of the building is a statue of the Roman goddess Minerva.
Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial is a very grand monument. It was built in memory of Queen Victoria. The Victoria Memorial was opened to the public in 1921 as a museum. Spread over 64 acres, the museum houses several artifacts, arms, ammunition, portraits of Queen Victoria, and many rare books. The museum has 25 galleries. The architecture of the monument is one of the best designs in the world. It was designed by the British architect William Emerson.
Marble Palace
A beautiful and elegant building with marble walls and floors, it was built by Raja Rajendra Malik, a Bengali merchant. Built-in neoclassical style, the building has open courtyards which are common in traditional Bengali architecture. Today it houses many Victorian paintings and more. You need prior permission before entering the building as it is a private residence.
Jorasanko thakur bari
The palatial home of the Tagore family is today a museum. Rabindranath Tagore was born in this house. Most of the members of the Tagore family ranged from artists to high officials, thinkers, intellectuals, and writers at that time. The second eldest brother of Rabindranath Tagore, Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to join the civil service. Whereas, his father Debendranath Tagore was a religious reformer and philosopher, as well as the founder of Brahmo Dharma.
Belur Math
Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission established by Swami Vivekananda. A mixture of various elements such as Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian art and motifs can be seen in the architecture of the monastery. The idea behind the use of various elements of art is to convey the message of unity among all religions. Belur Math is spread over an area of 40 acres and is surrounded by a lush green campus. This monastery is situated on the west bank of the Hooghly River. The 20th-century Belur Math is an important spiritual center of India.
Sovabazar Rajbari
Sovabazar Rajbari is another iconic heritage building that is a must-visit, especially during Durga Puja. It is one of the oldest royal houses in Bengal. Built by King Nabakrishna, the building is also famous for its grand Durga Puja celebrations and for maintaining Bengali culture and tradition at a time when European culture dominated the country and the city.
Star theater
Built in 1883, it is one of the first commercial cinema halls in Kolkata. Let us tell you, the first Bengali motion picture was screened here and despite a fire that destroyed half of the building, most of its parts have been restored by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The interior of the building is quite contemporary. Dramatic performances are still held here two days a week.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple was built in 1847 by Rani Rashmoni, a landowner and philanthropist. The temple of Goddess Kali is an important cultural and religious center of Kolkata. Maa Bhavtarini, an incarnation of Maa Kali, is worshiped in the temple. Spread over 25 acres, this temple is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the country every day. This temple is situated in Dakshineswar and hence it is known as Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
