St. Andrew's Basilica Arthunkal
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Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Church & Cathedral
Timings : 5:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Time Required : 1 - 2 hrs
Entry Fee : No Entry Fee
St. Andrew's Basilica Arthunkal, Alleppey Overview
St. Andrew's Basilica at Arthunkal, in Alappuzha district, is considered the largest shrine to Saint Sebastian in the world. Originally built by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in 1584 under the priest Jacomo Fenicio, who was believed to have healing powers and was popularly known as 'Arthunkal Veluthachan,' meaning 'fair-skinned father.'
Eight years after the vicar died, the shrine was renovated to face the West towards the silken white sands of the Arabian Sea. The saint was executed by the Roman emperor Diocletian for embracing Christianity. In 1647, a life-sized statue of the vicar was sculptured in Milan and was positioned at the Arthunkal church. The statue has its body pierced with arrows and has marks of blood all over, depicting the brutal execution. The interiors have been tastefully done with woodwork, and the church boasts of marvellous ancient architecture.
