6 Must-see Monuments of Religion
From tiny shrines set up in restaurants to towering Hindu temples and more, Singapore is awash with buildings and structures with a religious purpose. Here are some of the more noteworthy and historical places of worship.
#1 Masjid Sultan
Malay for “Sultan Mosque”, this remarkable structure is located in Kampong Glam, or the Arab Quarter. It was built in 1928 on the site of a much older mosque. The mosque offers services as well as classes, religious and legal counselling. sultanmosque.org.sg
#2 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
This Tang Dynasty-style temple was constructed in 2002 to house the tooth relic of the historical Buddha and serve as a Chinese Buddhist cultural centre. It holds services regularly, and provides educational opportunities and welfare services. The complex also includes a museum with ancient artefacts. btrts.org.sg
#3 Maghain Aboth Synagogue
Maghain Aboth is the oldest Jewish synagogue in Southeast Asia (1878). Attached to the synagogue on Waterloo Street is the Jacob Ballas Centre, built in 2007, with a full-service kosher restaurant, kosher market and a social hall for festive meals and functions. singaporejews.com
#4 Sri Mariamman Temple
Built in 1827 for worship by immigrants from South India, this is the island’s oldest Hindu temple. The temple in the heart of Chinatown boasts an ornamental tower entrance that’s a true Singapore landmark. Services and major festivals are regularly held at the temple. heb.gov.sg/temples
#5 Thian Hock Keng
The “Temple of Heavenly Happiness” on Telok Ayer Street is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore. It was built between 1839 and 1842 and was assembled without nails – a masterpiece of stone, tiles and wood, dragons, phoenixes, carvings and columns. thianhockkeng.com.sg
#6 Armenian Church
While it isn’t the largest Christian church in Singapore, it was completed in 1835, making it the oldest. It’s located in a charming and peaceful setting near Fort Canning Park. Services are rarely held here. armeniansinasia.org