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
govt college of fine arts???