St. Antony’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church

4.7

Location: F6MP+M45, Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala 680306, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

A church refers to a place of worship for Christians that is constructed and specifically designed. St. Antony’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church is like this, where Christian communities find their religious faith. St. Antony’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church is located at Ollur, Thrissur city in Kerala, India. It is also known as Chinna Roma, which means Smaller Roma. It is a prominent Roman Catholic Church known for its rich history and vibrant community. There are 4000 Christian families in the parish. If you want to relax and connect with God, you can go to the church. The church celebrates the Feast of Saint Raphael, which is the most important festival in Ollur. This church plays a vital role in the spiritual and cultural life of the Ollur community.

Attraction

The church is situated over a hillock, which serves as the highest point in the region. The church features a traditional architectural style that showcases the heritage of the Syro-Malabar church. The structure of this church is classic and ancient. The feast of Saint Raphael is an annual festival in Ollur which attracts thousands of pilgrims. It is one of the most important Christian festivals in Kerala. The festival is held on 23 and 24 October each year. Another festival is celebrated here in the month of January, which is celebrated to honor Saint Sebastian.
One of the most attractive sites to visitors is its old paintings and traditional worshipping monuments. The church has lots of artwork. This church remains the symbol of faith for the Christian community. It is a significant destination for religious tourists, especially during festivals.

History

St. Antony’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Archdiocese of Thrissur. The Church is dedicated to St. Antony of Padua, a beloved saint known for his miracles and teaching. It was constructed in 1718. It was one of the oldest churches, built in the 18th century.
The Church is surrounded by a huge protective compound wall called Elephant Wall, which was built in 1814. The church walls are painted by talented artists of that era. The wall paintings still look amazing. It presents the oldest architecture and planning. The old sacred paintings are still preserved by the Church.

Inside/Outside Views

You can enter the church from both the front and back. When you enter the church, you can feel a calm and quiet atmosphere, which is perfect for prayer. You can feel the divine peace. Inside the church the wall painting is truly mesmerising. There are multiple altars each dedicated to a separate saint. Every inch of the church is decorated with colorful paintings which look like gold paintings. When you first see it, you can imagine that these paintings are not gold, bronze, silver, iron, or stone. This was made by high-achievement painters, sculptors, ceramics workers, and bronze artists. Overall, it is a beautiful church.
In front of the church, you can see a large holy cross made of stone. There is an adoration Chapel inside the church and another separate chapel for funerals at the end of the church. The serene atmosphere and stunning architecture make it heaven for spiritual reflection and architecture appreciation.

Opening Hours

Saturday 5 AM – 8.30 PM
Sunday 5 AM – 8.30 PM
Monday 5 AM – 8.30 PM
Tuesday 5 AM – 8.30 PM
Wednesday 5 AM – 8.30 PM
Thursday 5 AM – 8.30 PM
Friday 5 AM – 8.30 PM

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The closest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is located about 40 kilometers away from the church. From the airport, you can take a taxi directly to the church.

By Train: Thrissur Railway station is the nearest station to the church. From the station it is about 5-7 km away. When you arrive at the station, you can hire a taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the church.

By Road: Bus services are available from Thrissur bus stand to other cities. From here you can take an auto or taxi to reach the church.

Tips for Travellers

It is a religious place. Please wear modest clothing.
Be respectful and keep silent, especially during worship.
Keep your shoes outside when you enter the church.
Carry water bottles.

FAQ

Que-01: Is it a safe place to visit the church?

Ans: Yes. It is completely a safe place to visit.

Que-02: Is photography allowed inside the church?

Ans: Yes. Photography is allowed inside the church.

Que-03: When is the best time to visit the church?

Ans: Winter is the best time to visit the church. Early morning or late afternoon when nature shows its beauty.

Que-04: Is parking allowed inside the church?

Ans: Yes. Parking is allowed here.

Que-05: What is Ollur famous for?

Ans: The church celebrates the Feast of Saint Raphael, Ollur, the Archangel, On 23 and 24 October each year. It is the most important festival of Ollur Church.