Our Lady Of Dolours Basilica

Lady of Dolours Basilica, known as Puthen Pally, has the distinction of being the biggest church in India with a tower, said to be the third tallest in Asia. It has an area of 25,000 sq. ft. and is 261 ft. tall. It is adjacent to the Martha Marian church.

Construction of the church in the Gothic style, which began in1929, was completed after 11 years. As many as 30,000 people can be accommodated in the church at a time. Other than the main altar, the church has five small altars. The Bible Tower with murals that depict various phases of Christ’s life is a unique feature. The bell tower has eight bells imported from Germany. The Feast of St. Mary, which falls in September, is the main event of the year. This is the most famous Marian pilgrim center in Thrissur.

History of Our Lady of Dolours Basilica

The original church building was established in 1814 and was reconstructed as Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica in 1929. At that time it was named "Mart Mariam Big Church" as called by the Christian community, who followed Chaldean Catholic bishop Elias Mellus.

The construction of this church was done in different phases, in which two towers were made 146 feet each and the central tower was 260 feet height. A lot of tourists visit this popular tourist spot to witness its architectural beauty and view its wonderful interior decoration, which is the prime attraction here.

Architecture of Our Lady of Dolours Basilica

Construction of the church in the Gothic style, which began in1929, was completed after 11 years. As many as 30,000 people can be accommodated in the church at a time. Other than the main altar, the church has five small altars. The Bible Tower with murals that depict various phases of Christ’s life is a unique feature. The bell tower has eight bells imported from Germany.

The Feast of St. Mary, which falls in September, is the main event of the year. This is the most famous Marian pilgrim center in Thrissur.