As our beloved city celebrates its 378th birthday, we take a look at some of the Chennai’s heritage buildings which are as old as our city and continues to showcase the rich history of Madras. With most of these buildings 200 years or older, it is no surprise that Chennai is home to the second largest collection of heritage buildings in the country, after Kolkata.

Chennai Central Railway Station

Built in 1873, Chennai Central is truly the face of Chennai.

Image Source: Kicha

Fort St. George

This is the first British fort in India and was built in 1644. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and is located in Beach Road by Marina.

Madras High Court

This 125 year old judicial complex is believed to be the second largest in the world after the one in London.The complex also houses the largest number of courts in Asia.

Image Source: Armando Bruck

Victoria Public Hall

Having served as a theatre and public assembly room, it would be right to say the hall, built in 1888, was the cultural hub of Chennai. Now the house of South Indian Athletic Association club, Victoria Hall was the venue of the first Cinema show in Chennai

Image Source: Kicha

Rippon Building

This century old building is also the seat of Chennai Corporation.

Image Source:Namma Chennai

Higginbothams

Established in 1844, this is India’s first and oldest existing bookstore.

Government Museum

This is India’s second oldest Museum (established in 1851) still continues to attract a lot of visitors.

Image Source: Nawas

Theosophical Society

Founded in 1875, this is one the privately held heritage structures in Chennai.

Image Source: Nipun Soni

St Andrew’s Church

Built 2 centuries ago, the church shows prominent features of Neo-Classical architecture.

Image Source: Ramesh Raja

Senate House, University of Madras

Image Source: Kicha