Armenian Church

Armenian Church Dhaka: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Old Dhaka’s Armanitola neighborhood, the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection stands as a testament to the city’s multicultural heritage and the indelible mark left by the Armenian diaspora in South Asia. Built in 1781 on land donated by Agah Catchick Minas, this church is one of Dhaka’s oldest Christian landmarks and has played a pivotal role in the city’s social, economic, and cultural development. Its tranquil courtyards, striking architecture, and evocative graveyard offer a unique window into a chapter of Dhaka’s history often overlooked.

This guide provides detailed information on the Armenian Church’s visiting hours, entry policies, accessibility, historical background, and practical travel tips. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or cultural explorer, the Armenian Church is a must-visit site that enriches any journey through Dhaka’s layered past.

For further reading and planning, reliable resources include the Daily Star’s in-depth feature on the Armenian community, the UCLA Modern Armenian History project, and the official Armenian Church Bangladesh website.

Historical Background
Visiting Information
Nearby Attractions
Preservation and Community Role
FAQs
Travel Tips
Call to Action
References

Historical Background

Early Armenian Presence in Dhaka

Armenians began settling in Bengal in the 17th century, establishing themselves as influential traders in salt, textiles, and jute (The Daily Star). By the 18th century, Dhaka’s Armenian community was a significant part of the city’s mercantile life, acquiring estates and shaping commerce through firms like Sarkies & Sons and Lazarus & Co. Their close ties to New Julfa in Iran and Calcutta fostered a vibrant transnational network (UCLA Modern Armenian History).

Foundation and Construction

The Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection was constructed in 1781 when the growing Armenian community required a dedicated place of worship and burial. Land was generously donated by Agah Catchick Minas, and the church was built on what had been an Armenian cemetery (UCLA Modern Armenian History). The church soon became the spiritual and cultural heart of the community.

Architectural Features

The church’s architecture is a blend of Armenian ecclesiastical style and local influences. Notable features include:

A rectangular nave approximately 75 feet long with 27 arched windows and four doors.
A bell tower on the west end, which originally housed three bells (now one remains), and an adjacent clock tower (destroyed in 1897).
Marble flooring, wooden pews, and an altar of white marble donated in 1915.
Memorial plaques and tombstones, some dating as far back as 1714, inscribed in Armenian, English, and Persian.
The interior once featured murals and a painting of the Last Supper, recently restored (Armenian Church Bangladesh Timeline).

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours

Current Public Hours: Sundays, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (one-hour window).
Special Arrangements: Occasional special events and masses may alter these hours; check ahead via the official website or local tourism authorities.
Best Time to Visit: Cooler months (November–February) are recommended for comfort.

Tickets and Entry

Entry Fee: Free for all visitors.
Donations: Voluntary donations for preservation are welcome.
Tickets: No advance or on-site tickets required for entry during public hours.

Accessibility

Location: Armanitola, Old Dhaka. GPS: 23°42’44.8″N, 90°24’08.0″E (alonelytraveler.com).
Transport: Best accessed via rickshaw, taxi, or on foot due to narrow streets and limited parking.
Facilities: No modern amenities (restrooms, cafes); bring water and plan accordingly.
Mobility: Ground floor and courtyard are accessible, but uneven pathways and stairs make full access challenging for those with mobility impairments.

Guided Tours and Etiquette

Guided Tours: No official tours, but local guides and self-guided options (e.g., via GPSmyCity) are available.
Dress Code: Modest attire, covering shoulders and knees, is required.
Photography: Permitted, but please ask before photographing inside or during services.
Etiquette: Maintain silence and respect, especially during prayer or memorial moments.

Nearby Attractions

The Armenian Church is ideally situated for a broader exploration of Old Dhaka’s cultural sites, including:

Lalbagh Fort: A Mughal-era fortress with gardens and tombs.
Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace): The former Nawab palace, now a museum.
Star Mosque (Tara Masjid): Renowned for its star-studded tilework.
Dhakeshwari Temple: Dhaka’s oldest Hindu temple.
Sadarghat River Port: A bustling hub of riverine life.

Combining these attractions creates a comprehensive historic itinerary (toursntripsbd.com).

Preservation and Community Role

The Armenian Church is both a spiritual sanctuary and a cornerstone of community service. It has survived the decline of the local Armenian population thanks to dedicated caretakers like Michael Joseph Martin and ongoing support from local and diaspora Armenians (Beautiful Bangladesh). Recent efforts include:

Restoration of architectural elements and artwork.
The Michael Martin Food Assistance Programme for local residents.
Free weekly medical clinics and scholarships for youth.
Collaboration with the Department of Archaeology for heritage preservation.
Active application for UNESCO World Heritage status (Hetq.am).

The church also serves as a venue for interfaith and cultural dialogue, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds and fostering appreciation for Dhaka’s pluralistic past.

FAQs

Q: What are the Armenian Church visiting hours?
A: Public visiting hours are Sundays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No, entry is free and no tickets are needed.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: While no official tours are provided, self-guided and local guide options exist.

Q: Is the church accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Ground floor and courtyard access is possible, but full accessibility is limited.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the church?
A: Yes, but always ask permission before photographing interior spaces or during services.

Q: What’s the best way to reach the church?
A: By rickshaw or on foot from nearby Old Dhaka landmarks. Parking is scarce.

Q: Is the site safe for tourists?
A: The church is well-staffed and generally safe, but standard urban precautions apply.

Travel Tips

Arrive early on Sundays to ensure entry.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground.
Bring bottled water and use restroom facilities before your visit.
Respect the site’s religious and historical significance.
Consider combining your visit with a walk through Armanitola and other historic sites.
For additional orientation, use GPSmyCity or the Audiala app for self-guided tours.

Call to Action

Discover the Armenian Church of Dhaka, a unique monument bridging centuries of history and cultural exchange. For guided audio tours and more insider tips on Dhaka’s heritage, download the Audiala app. Stay up to date on events, restoration news, and visitor information by following our social channels and exploring related articles.

For in-depth research, visit the official Armenian Church Bangladesh website and the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s Armenian Church page.