Arthunkal Church

The Feast

An annual feast renowned across the state is held here. It is an eleven-day affair which has several highlights of its own. One of the best specifications here is this unique ritual where the followers crawl to the church on their knees right from the white sand of the nearby beach. Devotees never miss this wonderful fest here. 

The Building

The marvelous building of the Catholic church is inspired by the Portuguese style of building built as back as the Sixteenth Century. The building looks magnificent in its enormous height of the towers.

The Statue

The spectacular huge statue of St. Sebastian has been placed here straight from Milan. It is well believed by the Roman Catholics that Sebastian was sentenced to die by the emperor there because he converted to Christianity. 

About

Known to be the 1st Catholic church ever and which was given the stature of a Basilica in the lush Kerala city of Alleppey is this magnificent church of Arthunkal. Several specifications of the ancient church make it one of the most visited spots in Alleppey and a prime inclusion of every Alleppey tour packages. It surely becomes one of the places in Kerala.

More Attractions Specialities

The spectacular church is the third Catholic Basilica in the entire Kerala State. The wonderful site of the church is also believed to be home to one of the largest St. Sebastian shrine which makes it a prime TOURIST ATTRACTION IN ALLEPPEY which people from all over the world come to visit and pray. 

The Legend

JacomoFanicio is believed to be the person under whom the church was rebuilt in the 1580s who was a vicar. His followers used to fondly called him the 'fair skinned guardian'. The phrase literally translates into 'ArthunkalVeluthachan' in the name of which the renowned church is named.

All these wonderful specifications of the annual feast, the ancient legend, the statue from Milan and the high devotion along with everything else make this magnificent site one of the places in kerala and a places to visit in Alleppey. If you are visiting Kerala anytime soon, don’t miss this heritage site at any cost.