Marthoma Pontifical Shrine, Thrissur in Thrissur
Summer: March - May (35°C - 40°C)
Winter: November–February (15°C-20°C)
Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
Opening Time: 9.00 am.
Closing Time: 6.00 pm.
Weekly Holiday: Friday
Entry Fees for Indians
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Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
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The Marthoma Pontifical Shrine is located in the village of Azhikode in Thrissur, Kerala. The church lies on the banks of the River Periyar and is part of the Muziris Heritage Project. The Marthoma Pontifical shrine is built to replicate the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and covers over 3500 sq. ft.
The significance of this church is that it was the very first church set up the apostle St. Thomas in Kerala and it was followed by six others. The legends surrounding the church speak of how St. Thomas came here in 52 A.D and is believed to have settled in Kerala and later his bones where brought from Italy and where placed in the shrine for worship.
The MarthomaSmruthiTharangam Mansion built in the Indo-Persian style depicts the life of St. Thomas. When tracing the roots of Christianity in India, this shrine is said to have been the source of the spreading of the belief. This shrine is one of the major Christian pilgrim centers that are frequented by thousands of devotees worldwide.
Connectivites
Road:
It is located 6km. away from Kodungallur and there are frequent buses from Kodungallur. Autos are also available
Railway:
The nearest rail head is Irinjalakuda 20 km. from Thrissur
Airway:
The nearest airport is Cochin International airport, which is 60km. away from Thrissur.