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Shettihalli Rosary Church in Karnataka is an abandoned Gothic structure that sinks every year during monsoon season

Shettihalli Church is located 22 km away from Shettihalli in Karnataka. The church was built in 1860 on the banks of Hemavathi River, near Hassan, by French missionaries for the then wealthy British estate owners.

The church is a magnificent structure of Gothic Architecture.

Shettihalli Church ruins. Photo Credit
Shettihalli Church ruins. Photo Credit

 

It is a Gothic architecture. Photo Credit
It is a Gothic architecture. Photo Credit

The really interesting fact about this church is that the entire structure is submerged in the river during monsoons. In 1960 the construction of the Hemavati Dam and Reservoir led to an abandonment of the church.

All the inhabitants were relocated to nearby villages and the church was abandoned forever.

View from the Hemavathi Reservoir. Photo Credit
View from the Hemavathi Reservoir. Photo Credit

It has been 200 years since the church was built and more than 25 years since dam waters started flooding and submerging the church, the walls still stand there with such understated charm.

This roofless structure is located at a barren field, and is an unexplored location. Photo Credit
This roofless structure is located at a barren field and is an unexplored location. Photo Credit

 

Shettihalli Church is located in 6-7 km from Hassan. Photo Credit
Shettihalli Church is located in 6-7 km from Hassan. Photo Credit

It attracts a lot of visitors who want to see the ruins in this spectacular sight. Even when the church is half under the water, tourists can go near it on a cotacle.

The architecture is preserved that people can imagine what it used to look like. Areas around the church have become shooting locations for regional movies and serials.

It is a great place for photographers, architecture lovers and heritage seekers. Photo Credit
It is a great place for photographers, architecture lovers and heritage seekers. Photo Credit

The church was built with mortar and bricks, and a mixture of jiggery and eggs. The entire roof has caved in, while part of the altar and the central nave still stand, there are no stained glass windows, pews or even windows left in the church.

Prayers are held once, with lamps lighting up the church. Photo Credit
Prayers are held once, with lamps lighting up the church. Photo Credit

The massive skeleton of the ruined church is a must see. Today, the church is home to birds who catch fish in the lake, and a very silent and peaceful place. A photographer’s paradise, the blue skies reflect through Hemavathi Reservoir while the ancient church sits in the backdrop.

Marija Georgievska

Marija Georgievska is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News