Participants of the heritage trail posing for a photo in front of the Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator (Photo credit: Humanity Matters)

Nowhere else reflects Singapore’s colourful multicultural identity quite like the historic enclave of Kampong Bencoolen. A stroll along its centuries-old lanes will take you past iconic institutions such as the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Masjid Bencoolen and St Andrew’s Cathedral.

These places of worship are now part of a 1.7km guided trail in Kampong Bencoolen* under the Faithful Footprints programme, to celebrate Singapore’s interfaith heritage.

Jointly organised by Temasek Foundation and Humanity Matters, Faithful Footprints aims to acquaint all Singaporeans with the development of harmonious multiculturalism in Singapore over two centuries, and foster a deeper appreciation of past and prevailing challenges in building racial and religious harmony.

Since its launch in 2019, close to 300 participants have participated in the programme – more than half of whom are new citizens, permanent residents or long-term stayers.

* The 8 historical places of worship on the Faithful Footprints trail are:

• Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator
• Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
• Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
• Maghain Aboth Synagogue
• Masjid Bencoolen
• Middle Road Church
• St Andrew’s Cathedral
• Sri Krishnan Temple