Kolkata has a rich history as the center of the Bengal Renaissance and the British capital of India. Kolkata’s spectacular monuments, architecture, and architectural marvels represent its storied past. If you are visiting Kolkata, do not miss out on the historical sites that bear evidence of its rich culture and past. How about leaving your Kolkata hotels and going down history’s lanes?
First, on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
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Victoria Memorial
Lord Curzon wanted to erect an appropriate memorial for Queen Victoria. This 1921 white marble memorial is encircled by 64 acres of gardens and has an opulent museum. The Angel of Victory statue is visible on the memorial’s central dome. The museum has 25 galleries with sculptures, weaponry, rare and antiquated books, paintings, etc.
Victoria Memorial is one of Kolkata’s most popular tourist attractions due to its historical and
architectural significance.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Fort William
Fort William, one of Kolkata’s must-see forts, is a colonial-era icon. The fort is located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. This fort, named for King William III, was built in 1696 and features beautiful stonework.
As the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters, civilian access to the fort’s inner areas is limited.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Belur Math
Belur Math, on the west bank of the Hooghly, is the Ramakrishna Math and Mission’s headquarters. Swami Vivekananda built this magnificent structure that combines Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian symbols to signify the unification of all religions.
Belur Math is the Ramakrishna Order’s major monastery, covering 40 acres. It also features Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda temples, as well as a museum.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Marble Palace
Raja Rajendra Mullick, a rich Bengali trader, erected this beautiful home. The marble walls, floors, and sculptures give this 19th-century mansion its name. This neoclassical palace is one of Kolkata’s most famous heritage sites.
This three-story structure is surrounded by meadows, gardens, a lake, a rock garden, and a zoo. Marble Palace also has a rich collection of paintings. This palace is a must-see for history and art lovers in Kolkata.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Rabindranath Tagore’s family home is Jorasanko Thakur Bari, another important historical monument in Kolkata. This 18th-century mansion was erected on land gifted to Dwarkanath Tagore by the Burrabazar Sett family.
Tagore House is where the poet was born, spent his childhood, and died. The house now houses a museum with a large collection of books, manuscripts, and other artifacts from the poet’s life.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Shaheed Minar
Shaheed Minar is the most important historical site in Kolkata. Sir David Ochterlony, a British East India Company captain, had this memorial built-in 1828 to honor his exploits. Hence, Ochterlony Monument.
In August 1969, the monument was renamed Shaheed Minar (martyrs’ monument) in honor of the martyrs of India’s freedom movement.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Indian Museum
Indian Museum is one of the oldest and largest multidisciplinary museums in Kolkata and the country. The museum is built in a huge imperial structure and contains the finest collection of historical relics and artifacts.
This museum’s valuable treasures include a 4000-year-old Egyptian mummy and stunning Buddha-life sculptures. This museum, one of Kolkata’s most important historical sites, should be on your agenda if you’re visiting.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of Kolkata’s most famous churches, established in 1847 for the city’s European Christians. This cathedral, now affiliated with the Church of North India, is the largest.
Its excellent Indo-Gothic architecture makes it one of Kolkata’s finest historical sites. It was also the first cathedral built in a British colony.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Writer’s Building
The Writer’s Building is a must-see on any list of historical landmarks in Kolkata. Built-in 1777, this edifice housed the East India Company’s authors, hence the name. It now houses the West Bengal State Government’s secretariat.
In 1930, three Indian Freedom Movement rebels — Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta – shot and killed Colonel N.G. Simpson, the infamous Inspector General of Prisons. Aside from its historical value, this site is notable for its distinctive Greco-Roman architecture.
Next on the list of 13 historical places you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Kolkata’s Raj Bhavan
The Governor of West Bengal lives in Raj Bhavan, one of Kolkata’s most beautiful buildings. This enormous three-story neoclassical structure with Baroque overtones was formerly the center of British Imperial power.
Capt. Charles Wyatt planned the structure after the Curzon family residence. After a century of construction, George Nathaniel Curzon, the most famous Curzon family member, became the Viceroy of India in 1803.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Metcalfe Hall
Metcalfe Hall is a UNESCO site with beautiful architecture resembling Greek temples in Athens. This early 19th-century edifice housed the Calcutta Public Library collection.
The Archaeological Survey of India now occupies the first level, while the Asiatic Society’s rare manuscripts and foreign magazines occupy the ground.
Next on the list of 13 historical places, you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Kolkata Town Hall
The Town Hall in Kolkata is a stunning Roman-Doric structure. Built-in 1813, this venue hosted social events for the city’s European community. After independence, the building fell into disrepair. Calcutta High Court and the Archeological Survey of India intervened in 1998 to restore its splendor.
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Last on the list of 13 historical places you can’t miss in Kolkata is:
Howrah Bridge
The stately Howrah Bridge is a must-see on any list of historical landmarks in Kolkata. This enormous structure above the River Hooghly was built in 1943 and is undoubtedly Kolkata’s most recognized sight.
The world’s busiest cantilever bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965. It carries roughly 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians every day.
These Kolkata historical sites provide you with a spectacular tour of the city’s past. So go through this list one by one to get a taste of the city’s rich history and traditions. The Town Hall is now used for public events and is one of Kolkata’s most historic buildings.
