Kottayam Cheriapally - Orthodox church in Kottayam - Kottayam, India

This beautiful church was built in the Portuguese-Baroque-Keralite style, the mural art on the church interiors depicts the major incidents in Jesus Christ's life. The eastern side of the church wall portrays the major happenings in the life of the Lord's mother. Some of the paintings depict the trial of Christ, Crucifixion, and Christ being taken down from the cross. The ceiling with 99 tiles is adorned with various paintings. Historians said that these were painted by foreign artists. Interestingly, the clothes worn by the people in the paintings are also European in style. Thought the paintings are in European style, some experts claim the technique used is that of artists from Kerala. All the paintings have been created by only using organic dyes from vegetables and flowers. A must visit place while you are in Kottayam.

During the 11th century, native state of Venpoli (Venpolinadu) was under the supremacy of the Chera empire.Venpoli was made up of modern Vaikkom, Moovattupuzha, Kanjirapally and Thodupuzha. Kaduthuruthi was its capital. At the end of 11th century the conquest by the Cholas lead to the decline of Chera paved way for the independence of smaller states like Venpolinadu. Power struggles within Venpoli dynasty lead to the formation of Karikodu, Vadakumkoor and Thekkumkoor. Thekkumkoor state came into existence in AD1103 with Manikantapuram as its capital.Modern Kottayam was then known as Munjanadu whose capital was Thaliyilkotta consisting of Kottayam and Ettumanoor which was annexed to Thekkumkoor state and Vennimala was made region's capital. But due to many reasons capital was again shifted back to Thaliyilkotta. During those times human civilization was based on river banks and the banks of river Meenachil began to develop trade routes with Kochi and Kozhikode states. Soon markets like Pazhayachanda (Old bazaar), Valiaangady (Big bazaar) began to flourish.

Kottayam Cheriya Pally (St. Mary's Orthadox Syrian Church) is one of the ancient Syrian Christian church located at Kottayam. This Church built on 1579, well preserved & renovated. The architecture style of the church is a mixture of Kerala & European. The ancient mural paintings inside the Church highlight its history & tradition. The Church welcomes Tourists too, but has to follow Church manners.

Ancient and beautiful Church with superb Murals and splendid architecture. People from all faiths can visit the Church. Must visit place in Kottayam

Well maintained old church

Superb One of the ancient church in Kerala. But not having an archeological museum, no person to describe its culture and history. But an ideal place for prayer

Tres belle eglise. .. autel splendide

Well preserved historical site and unique architecture