St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Kottayam, Orthodox church in Kottayam, India.
St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Kottayam is a church building in India featuring ten granite pillars that support the portico roof and thick stone walls containing numerous oil lamps throughout. The structure displays craftsmanship and religious furnishings in every area.
The building was established in 1579 by Portuguese architect Antony and local craftsmen, replacing the original Valiyapally following a congregation division. This founding marked a significant moment in the region's religious history.
The interior walls display mural paintings showing scenes from Jesus Christ's life, created by foreign artists using natural organic dyes. These artworks communicate religious stories to visitors as they move through the space.
The building is open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and sits about 4 kilometers from downtown Kottayam. The area offers several accommodation options and makes a visit straightforward.
In 1966, Ignatius Yacub III presented the building with the Holy Girdle of St Mary, making it the first Indian church to receive these relics. This treasure attracts pilgrims and religious visitors to this day.
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