Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours - Puthanpally

Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours in Puthanpally is famous for the fact that it is the biggest church in India and is the 3rd tallest church in Asia. In an area of 25000 square feet, it is built Indo-Gothic style. It has soaring belfries at the entrance, double storeyed aisles and eleven altars. The parish and original church building were established in the year 1814. It was a center for Saint Thomas followers in this area for decades. The construction of this biggest church in India was done in different phases that started the year 1929. The two front towers are of 146 feet high and the central tower of 260 feet high. Experts from other parts of the country, mostly from Tamil Nadu were brought to complete the building. The Bible Tower, that was later added is Kerala's first Christian art gallery with a collection of murals, paintings and other displays that include the childhood of Christ carved in wood, a stained glass depiction of healing of Jesus, stories of miracles of Jesus in brass, the sufferings of Jesus portrayed in oil paintings etc. There is a gigantic dome with 4 spectacular pillars just above the main altar. Beneath this altar lies the mortal remains of the bishops. The ten altars on either side of the main altar have the statues of Francis Xavier, St Thomas and other others. Inside ceilings are adorned with astonishing mural paintings, images of saints etc.