Built by the great Chola emperor Raja Raja I in the 11th century, Brihadeeswara Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most spectacular temples. The temple's towering vimana, or tower, is the tallest in the world and is a marvelous example of Chola architecture. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings depicting the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. The temple's main hall, or mandapa, houses a gigantic Nandi bull statue. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the temple.
The Thanjavur Royal Palace was once the residence of the Nayak and Maratha rulers of Thanjavur, and later the British. The palace now houses the Thanjavur Art Gallery, which displays a vast collection of bronze and stone sculptures, paintings, and musical instruments from the region. The palace's Durbar Hall is also worth a visit, with its ornate decorations and throne.
The Saraswathi Mahal Library is one of India's oldest and most important repositories of ancient manuscripts and books. The library's collection includes rare palm-leaf manuscripts, paintings, and maps. Visitors can view a selection of the library's treasures in the museum section, which includes exhibits on Thanjavur's history and culture.
The Schwartz Church, also known as the New Jerusalem Church, is an 18th-century Christian church built by the Danish missionary Christian Friedrich Schwartz. The church's architecture is a blend of Indian and European styles, with a bright white exterior and colorful frescoes inside. The church also houses a museum dedicated to the life and work of Schwartz, who was a pioneer of Christian missions in India.