Kottayam Cheriapally

Kottayam Cheriapally

St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church commonly known as Kottayam Cheriyapally ("small church") is one of the oldest churches in Kerala, India. Built in 1579, the church is well preserved. The architectural style of the church is European, with galleries, pillars, cornices and pediments. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals made in Oriental and Western styles on biblical and non biblical themes.

One of the ancient churches in Kottayam, and known as Kottayam Cheriyapally, a Syrian Orthodox Church. The church has a legacy of 4 centuries; founded in 1579 and declared as Maha Edavaka in 2011. The architectural style is a mix of Persian and Kerala style. The great attraction of the church is the murals inside the Altar for which pulp of leaves and flowers were used for colors.
The church gives tranquil ambience in its peak.

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

Treasure house of ancient Church Murals

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

My parish church.. The church is around 450 years old.. It's so amazing by the construction inspired by type of hindu tempe. And very calm atmosphere .. Very photogenic place.. Must vist..

It is the second largest Christian church in Kottayam. Founded in AD1579. Rich in murals. Excellent architectural style. It is ruled by the Malankara Orthodox Church.