In Singapore, the religions of the different ethnic communities flourish harmoniously alongside each other.

Churches

Armenian Church
Hill Street, Singapore 179349

Singapore's oldest church is dedicated to the first monk of the Armenian Church (St. Gregory the Illuminator). Built in 1835 and now a national monument, the church is regarded as a masterpiece of colonial architect George Coleman.

St. Andrew's Cathedral
Coleman Street, Singapore 179802
Tel: +65 337-6104

This is the second building to be erected on this site. The original was built by G.D. Coleman and consecrated in 1838. However, the church was demolished in 1852 following two lightning strikes. The present cathedral was designed by Colonel Ronald MacPherson in 1856. The Visitors Center at the South Transept showcases artifacts, pictures, and a video of the Cathedral's history. Guided tours are available.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
Queen Street, Singapore 188533
Tel: +65 337-2036

The oldest Catholic church in Singapore, the cathedral is also the home of the present archbishop. When the church's foundation stone was initially laid in 1843, little did people know that it would be the center of an architectural design showdown between two great colonial architects – D.L. Sweeney and J.T. Thomson. Thomson's design was eventually chosen even though it was considered more expensive than Sweeney's. Charles Dyce, a third architect, added the tower and spire to the design a year later. The cathedral was gazetted as a national monument on 28 June 1973.

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Chinese Temples

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117
Tel: +65 453-4046

Spread on top of a hillside, "Bright Hill Temple," as it is commonly known, is one of the largest places of worship in Singapore. The temple features fine examples of Chinese decorations, statues, and shrines. A large turtle pool, peaceful gardens, and the constant hum of prayer combine to create an air of tranquillity.

Lian Shan Shuang Lim Temple
184E Jalan Toa Payoh, Singapore 319941

A national monument, this Buddhist temple was completed in 1908 and commemorates Buddha's birth and death. The temple has an intricately decorated gateway that opens into a courtyard. Visitors can see beautifully carved images of Buddha here.

Temple of 1,000 Lights
366 Race Course Road, Singapore 218636
Tel: +65 294-0714

"Temple of 1,000 Lights" is the more popular name for the Sakya Muni Gaya Temple. A 15-meter-high statue of Buddha, surrounded by a seemingly endless chain of lights, is the focal point of this simple but impressive building. At the base of the statue is a fresco depicting important events in Buddha's life.

Thian Hock Keng Temple
Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048425

The oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, it is also the island's most important Hokkien temple. Sailors were said to have given thanks at this Taoist-Buddhist temple as early as 1821. Both the young and the elderly can be seen paying their respects to Ma Zu Po (the Mother of Heavenly Sages) or Confucius.

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Indian Temples

Central Sikh Temple
2 Towner Road, Singapore 913236
Tel: +65 299-6440

The Central Sikh Temple was built to commemorate the 518th anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru. The chief place of worship for Singapore's 15,000 Sikhs, the temple boasts a skillful blend of modern and traditional architecture. The Granth Sahib, or holy book, is enshrined in a magnificent prayerhall that has a 13-meter wide dome.

Sri Mariamman Temple
244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058793
Tel: +65 223-4064

This magnificent structure is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, dating back to 1827. The brick bones of the present building were built around 1843. Later additions have included a profusion of deities carved all over its walls, bell-decked doors, and frescoes on the ceilings. The firewalking festival, Thimithi, is celebrated here. This is also a preferred venue of most Hindu weddings.

As you enter the gates of the temple, look up at the gopuram or the tower over the entrance of the temple. Covered with sculptures of gods, goddesses, and mythological beasts, this tower is visible from afar, so devotees can say their prayers even from a distance. Notice strings of fresh mango and coconut leaves hanging above the temple doors -– they are signs of welcome and purity. Do remember to remove your shoes and leave them outside.

At the door, devotees ask God to grant their requests by ringing the bells before entering. They also purify themselves by washing their hands and feet, and sprinkling water on their heads. Near the door, look out for the aluminium enclosure into which devotees break coconuts as a symbol of breaking their egos to reveal their pure and kind inner selves.

Within the temple compound, remember to walk in a clockwise direction and only encircle the temple hall an odd number of times as a sign of good luck. Look out for the offerings of bananas (symbol of abundance), mangoes, and even sari for the goddesses at the shrine.

Notice the use of the lotus, a symbol of human life to the Hindus, as a decorative motif. They believe that as the lotus bud stretches towards the sun despite its roots being embedded in mud, likewise, man strives for the spiritual despite being rooted in the material.

Sri Thandayuthapani Temple
15 Tank Road, Singapore 238065

Built on the site of former temples and dating back to the 1850s, this southern Indian temple is home to numerous shrines covered by a roof with 48 engraved glass panels angled to catch the sun as it rises and sets. The culmination of Thaipusam as well as the Navarathiri Festival are celebrated here.

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Malay Mosques

Abdul Gafoor Mosque
41 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209369
Tel: +65 295-4209

Tucked away from the bustle of Little India, this mosque was completed in 1910 to replace a more modest building. Of particular interest is the framed family tree to the left of the prayer area that traces the lineage of Muslim prophets.

Hajah Fatimah Mosque
4001 Beach Road, Singapore 199584

Built in 1846, this mosque is named after its female benefactor, a Malaccan-born Malay who married a wealthy Bugis Sultan. Although it exhibits a combination of architectural influences, it has a strong British flavor.

Sultan Mosque
North Bridge Road, Singapore 179094

Built originally with a S$3,000 grant from Sir Stamford Raffles, the Sultan Mosque, with its massive golden dome and huge prayer hall, is one the most imposing religious points for Singapore Muslims. The present mosque, designed by Denis Santry, was completed in 1928.

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Synagogues

Maghain Aboth Synagogue
Waterloo Street, Singapore 187952

The synagogue, displaying an eclectic Victorian style, was the first place of worship built by Singapore's small but significant Jewish community.