St. Mary Forane Church, also known as Champakulam Kalloorkad St. Mary's Basilica, is one of the oldest Christian churches in India. It is the mother church of almost all the Catholic Syrian churches in the Alleppey district. It is the first one under the church at Niranam, which is believed to have been founded by St. Thomas the Apostle.
St. Mary's Forane Church is a pearly white building. It has played an essential role in the history of Indian Christians, specifically South Indian Christians. The church architecture reeks of royal magnificence as it combines elements from the Portuguese and Syrian Christian cultures.
The humble church was the reason for the reconciliation between Catholic and Jacobian Syrians three centuries ago. As a result, the church is not only an architectural marvel but also a fine specimen of Christian heritage in India.
A brief history of St. Mary Forane Church
According to legend, the 9th century St. Mary's Church was built on land donated by the Brahmin family of Ettanasseri. It is a token of thanksgiving for a male heir born to the family by praying to the Virgin Mary. The idol at the shrine, the statue of St. Sebastian, is said to have been brought by the Portuguese sailor Leonard D'Cruz in 1687. The crucifix in this church is unique, as it shows St. Sebastian without any wounds.
In 2016, the church was announced as a basilica and became the first in the archdiocese of Changanassery. So this is the 23rd basilica in India and the 9th basilica in Kerala. Also, it is the fourth Syro-Malabar basilica in India.
Key information about St. Mary Forane Church
- Visiting the church is free of cost and you won’t be charged any entry fee.
- St. Mary Forane Church is open 7-days a week.
- St. Mary Forane Church is open for tourists between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm.
- Prayer timings on Sundays: 6:00 am, 7:30 am, 9:30 am, and 4:00 pm
- Prayer timings on Wednesday: 6:30 am and 4:00 pm
- Other days: 6:00 am and 7:00 am
Major Festivals celebrated at St. Mary Forane Church
The annual feast celebrated in honor of St. Sebastian is a big event with fireworks and illuminations. However, votive offerings of gold and silver arrows set this event apart from other festivals.
Places to visit near the St. Mary Forane Church
- Alleppey Beach
- Pathiramanal
- Kayamkulam
- Karumadikuttam
- Mullakkal Temple
- Marari Beach
Things to do around St. Mary Forane Church
- Kayaking
- Offering prayers
- Visiting temples
- Taking a stroll at the beach
- Backwater cruising
Best Places to stay near St. Mary Forane Church
- Zarano Residency
- Paithal Hill Resort
- White Gate
- Triveny River Palace
How to reach st. Mary Forane Church
The church is one of the prime locations in Alleppey. You can take a cab, a taxi, or an auto to get here. The main town of Alleppey is only 17 km from the church.
If you are planning to visit St. Mary Forane Church, then you must check out our Alleppey tour packages.
