Cathedral of Mary, Shillong

Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is a prominent Roman Catholic cathedral located in Laitumkhrah, Shillong, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, at 1,496 meters above sea level. Serving as the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong, this Gothic Revival cathedral was constructed between 1913 and 1936 on the site of a historic wooden church destroyed by fire.

Gothic Architecture on Sand

The cathedral stands out for its bright blue exterior, high arches, and tall spires. Because Shillong lies in a high-seismic zone, the building was engineered with a unique foundation. The entire structure is built on a bed of sand to absorb earth shocks, a technique that saved the cathedral during subsequent minor earthquakes.

Inside, the high-vaulted ceiling frames large stained glass windows imported from Munich, Germany, which depict biblical scenes. The church also houses the grave of Hubert D'Rosario, the first Archbishop of Shillong, and features artworks made of terracotta and bronze.

A Peaceful Sanctuary in the City

The cathedral sits on a quiet hilltop overlooking the bustling neighborhood of Laitumkhrah. Surrounded by pine trees and manicured lawns, the sanctuary offers a quiet retreat for contemplation. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds, but must maintain silence inside during active worship.

For itineraries including this historic landmark, see our Shillong City Tour Day Trip.