This isn’t a Church in Europe
Colloquially known as Novena Church (after a series of intercessory devotions to Mother Mary), Church of St. Alphonsus is one of Singapore’s most iconic Catholic churches thanks to its rare gothic architecture, a rarity in the modern city state.
Church of St. Alphonsus, colloquially known as Novena Church (after a series of intercessoryĀ devotions to Mother Mary), is one of Singapore’s most iconic Catholic churches, rises asĀ a strikingĀ Gothic-inspired sanctuary after being closed for an extensive overhaul. Featuring soaring arches, intricate columns, a dome and 24 large stained glass windows, it will transport you to Europe in its beauty.
WithĀ aĀ 67-year history, the Novena ChurchĀ closed for anĀ extensive $54-million revampĀ since 3 years ago to provide a more conducive and accommodative environment forĀ worshippers.
Reopened in late 2017, the building is inspired byĀ European Gothic architecture, with aĀ gleaming new exterior is clad in granite. The facade features soaring arches, intricate columns, a dome and 24 large stained glass windows.
Besides beautiful limestoneĀ designs,Ā the church interior is now air conditioned with a special antiviral and antibacterial scent that features the essential oils of frankincense, rosemary, lavender and citrus.
A three-storey building housing a 200-seater auditorium and multipurpose hall has also been constructed to replace theĀ previous termite-infested building.
The design team behind the revamp described the building to be “reminiscent of European churches”, itsĀ original, conserved form back in the 1950s designed by the architectural firm Swan and Maclaren. This design is rare for modern Catholic churches in SIngapore that favourĀ more practical styles due to land constraints.
Mr Melvin Gamayot of CGN Architects said that the project was pressurising: “I usually design condominiums and commercial projects such as hotels, so I had a lot of sleepless nights coming up with a design and communicating this to contractors.”
He sharesĀ his source of inspiration from the bible scripture of king Solomon’s templeĀ carved with engravings of palm trees. “I clad the columns of the main sanctuary hall in curved segments of limestone to create the appearance of a cluster of thin palm tree trunks with ribs, reaching for the heaven.”
More popularly known as the Novena Church,Ā the Church of St. Alphonsus is located on 300 Thompson Road.Ā