Top 10 Historical Places in Kolkata

 

Top 10 Historical Places in Kolkata

1. Fort William, Kolkata

Fort William, one of the must-visit forts in Kolkata, stands as an iconic structure, reminiscent of the city’s colonial legacy. Sitting on the eastern banks of River Hooghly, the fort covers an area of about 70 hectares. Named after King William III, this fort dates back to the year 1696 and is adorned with intricate stonework. Presently, the fort serves as the Indian Army headquarters of the Eastern Command and so, entry to the inner sections of the fort is restricted for civilians.

2. Marble Palace, Kolkata

This palatial mansion in North Kolkata was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, an affluent Bengali merchant. This well-preserved 19^th-century residence derives its name from its marble walls, floors, and sculptures. One of the best-known heritage monuments in Kolkata, this mansion is designed in neoclassical architectural style. This three-storied structure stands tall with lawns, gardens, a lake, a rock garden, and a zoo in its surroundings. Marble Palace also boasts of a rich collection of paintings and priceless artworks. A visit to this palace is certainly one of the top things to do in Kolkata, especially for history buffs and art lovers.

3. Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Kolkata

jorasanko Thakur Bari, another prominent historical site in Kolkata, is the ancestral home of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. This 18^th-century residence was built on a piece of land donated to Dwarkanath Tagore, the poet’s grandfather, by the renowned Sett family of Burrabazar. Also known as Tagore House, this is the home where the poet was born, spent a major part of his childhood, and breathed his last. At present, the house serves as a museum displaying a rich collection of books, manuscripts, and other antique items related to the poet’s life. 

4. Indian Museum, Kolkata

Established in 1814, Indian Museum is one of the largest and oldest multipurpose museums in Kolkata and in the entire country. The museum is housed in a huge imperial structure and is a treasure trove of the finest collection of objects and artifacts of historical significance. Among the priceless assets of this museum are a 4000-year old Egyptian mummy and some brilliant sculptures on the life of Lord Buddha. Noted among the prominent historical places in the city, this museum should be on your itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Kolkata.

5. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in Kolkata, which was built in 1847 for the European Christians living in the city at the time. Today, this cathedral is affiliated to the Church of North India and is the biggest church of all. What makes it one of the top historical places in Kolkata is its impeccable architecture which depicts Indo-Gothic style. It is also the first cathedral to have been constructed in the British Empire’s overseas territory.  

6. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Victoria Memorial is an outcome of Lord Curzon’s wish to create a fitting memorial to honor Queen Victoria. This white marble memorial, established in 1921, is surrounded by 64 acres of garden and consists of an opulent museum. You can see the figure of the Angel of Victory on top of the memorial’s central dome. The museum houses 25 galleries displaying an array of collections including sculptures, arms, rare and antiquarian books, paintings, etc. Historical significance together with architectural magnificence make Victoria Memorial one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Kolkata

7. Metcalfe Hall, Kolkata

Metcalfe Hall is a heritage place with stunning architecture that bears a close resemblance to the typical Greek temples in Athens. Nestled in the heart of the city’s business area, this early 19^th-century building was initially home to the Calcutta Public Library collection. Today, the first floor is under the use of the Archaeological Survey of India while the ground floor is home to the Asiatic Society’s rare manuscripts and foreign journals.

8. Shaheed Minar, Kolkata

Topping the list of must-visit historical sites in Kolkata is Shaheed Minar. This memorial was erected in 1828 in the memory of Sir David Ochterlony, who was a commander in the British East India Company, to commemorate his victories on the battlefield. It was thus originally known as Ochterlony Monument. However, in August 1969, this monument was re-dedicated to the memory of the martyrs of India’s struggle for independence and was renamed Shaheed Minar (martyrs’ monument).

9. Town Hall, Kolkata

Kolkata’s Town Hall is an exquisite historical edifice built in Roman-Doric architectural style. Constructed in 1813, this place was used for social gatherings of the European community living in the city at the time. After independence, the edifice fell into a state of neglect. But in 1998, its building was restored to its former glory due to the intervention of the Calcutta High Court and the Archaeological Survey of India. Currently, the Town Hall is used for public functions and gatherings and counts among the top historical buildings in Kolkata.

10. Raj Bhavan, Kolkata

Raj Bhavan, one of the outstanding monuments in Kolkata, serves as the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal. Built in neoclassical architecture with Baroque overtones, this grand three-storied structure was once the seat of British Imperial power. The edifice was designed by Capt. Charles Wyatt and modeled after the residential mansion of the Curzon family. Interestingly, after a century of its construction in the year 1803, this building was occupied by George Nathaniel Curzon, the most well-known member of the Curzon family, as the Viceroy of India.