Arthunkal Church

Arthunkal Church (celebrated across South Asia as the grand St. Andrew's Forane Basilica and one of the most famous Christian pilgrimage shrines in India dedicated to Saint Sebastian), situated along the coastal shoreline of the Arabian Sea just 21 km north of Alleppey in Kerala, is one of Kerala's most monumental, historically profound, and spiritually venerated pilgrim basilicas.

Originally established by Portuguese Jesuit missionaries in 1581 under the patronage of the local Hindu ruler Muthedath King (who generously donated land and timber for the Christian community), this coastal basilica is world renowned for its miraculous statue of Saint Sebastian sculpted in Milan, Italy, in 1640 and brought to Arthunkal by ship, where it quickly became a sanctuary of divine healing, protection against epidemics, and universal communal harmony attracting millions of devotees across all faiths.

It's the home of imposing neo Gothic granite basilica architecture featuring towering twin belfries, stained glass windows from Europe, and soaring ribbed vaults, the holy shrine altar enshrining the miraculous 1640 Milan statue of Saint Sebastian pierced with arrows, the revered historic tomb of Father Jacoma Fenicio (the beloved Jesuit vicar affectionately known as 'Arthunkal Veluthachan' or Fair Priest, credited with performing numerous miraculous healings in the early 17th century), the traditional Sabarimala pilgrim ritual where Hindu Ayyappa devotees stop at Arthunkal Church on their return journey to remove their sacred prayer beads (Mala) with the blessings of St. Sebastian, safe paved pilgrim courtyards opening onto breezy sandy beach pathways, and a deeply moving sacred atmosphere where rhythmic church bells blend with the crashing waves of the Arabian Sea.

It represents a rich Christian heritage, neo Gothic ecclesiastical architecture, and interfaith communal harmony sanctuary where 16th century Portuguese missionary history, St. Sebastian healing miracles, Sabarimala pilgrimage ties, and coastal devotion unite in Cherthala taluk.

Located in Arthunkal coastal village near Cherthala along the coastal highway, it sits just 21 km north of Alappuzha town center, 8 km southwest of Cherthala Railway Station (SRTL), 42 km south of Ernakulam Junction (ERS), and 68 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by coastal buses, auto rickshaws, and private taxis.

The 1581 Portuguese Foundation & Neo Gothic Basilica

Elevated to the status of Minor Basilica in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, Arthunkal Basilica is the premier coastal landmark of Alappuzha district.

Its soaring neo Gothic granite stone structure replaced the older 16th century Portuguese church, showcasing European craftsmanship adapted to Kerala's coastal climate.

Truth is, walking through the cool, echoing nave beneath high ribbed arches while sea breezes drift through the open portals is deeply inspiring.

The 1640 Milan St. Sebastian Statue & Healing Faith

Milan Statue: Carved from seasoned wood in Milan and shipped in 1640, the life size icon of Saint Sebastian is celebrated for countless miraculous cures.

Urul Nercha Ritual: Devotees perform the sacred penance of crawling on their knees (Urul Nercha) across the sandy church courtyard to offer thanksgiving for answered prayers.

Makaram Perunnal Feast & Sabarimala Ayyappa Pilgrimage

Arthunkal Feast: The 11 day annual festival celebrated every January (Makaram) draws over one million pilgrims from across India, featuring a grand procession of the statue to the beach.

Ayyappa Devotees: In an extraordinary display of communal harmony, Hindu pilgrims returning from Sabarimala visit Arthunkal to remove their devotional bead garlands at the shrine.

After offering prayers at Arthunkal Basilica, take a scenic walk on Arthunkal Beach, explore the historic synagogues and coir factories in Alleppey, or take a houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake.