Agra is famously known for the Taj Mahal, a wonder of the world built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal
Apart from well-known attractions, Agra houses several lesser-known historical sites, including Akbar’s Church, reflecting the city's rich past
Akbar’s Church, or the Church of Akbar, is a Roman Catholic Church established in the late 16th century by Jesuit Fathers in Agra
Emperor Akbar, known for his liberal policies towards all religions, allowed Jesuits to establish the first Catholic Church in Agra during his reign
The construction of Akbar’s Church began with a delegation of Jesuit priests in 1580, eventually being built in 1598 under Akbar’s orders
Akbar’s Church served as the Cathedral of Agra until 1848 and was visited and financially supported for renovations by Jahangir, Akbar's successor
In 1635, Shah Jahan demolished the church amid a conflict with the Portuguese but later permitted the Jesuits to rebuild it in 1636
The Church faced destruction again in 1758 by Ahmad Shah Durrani's forces but was reconstructed with the help of various supporters over the years
The last significant renovation of the Church was in 1835, financed by Sir John Baptist Filose and led by Bishop Pezzoni, showcasing a history of resilience and cultural integration