Archive · 30 May 2025
Renovation Underway at Ancient Thiruvithamcode Arappally Church
Imagine a very old church, almost 2,000 years old, in India!
It's called Thiruvithamcode Arappally and is now being fixed up.
This church was supposedly built by an apostle a long time ago.
It looks like an old temple inside, with a special room and a place to wash your feet before prayer.
The church has an old well that never dries up.
The church is getting a renovation with money from a religious group.
They plan to make the museum bigger, where they have old coins and other gifts.
It's a really important place, and they are taking care of it.
Thiruvithamcode Arappally, also known as St. Mary’s Church, is undergoing renovation.
The church is believed to be almost 2,000 years old, dating back to circa AD 63.
The church was built with the support of a Chera ruler and the apostle St. Thomas.
The renovation is funded by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
Expansion of the museum within the heritage center is planned.
- Who
- The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is funding the renovation.
- What
- Renovation of the Thiruvithamcode Arappally, one of the oldest churches.
- When
- Renovations began recently, the church was originally built circa AD 63
- Where
- Thiruvithamcode, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Why
- To restore and expand the church, which is a historical site.
Arguments Against Monument Status
N/A
Monument Status Eligibility
Arguments Against Monument Status
Ongoing renovations and modifications disqualify places of worship from being designated as protected monuments.
N/A
N/A
- Official Name
- St. Mary’s Church
- Estimated Founding
- Circa AD 63
- Approximate Age
- 2,000 years old
- Notable Materials
- Granite blocks and terracotta tiles
- Designation
- International St Thomas Pilgrim Centre
- Renovation Funding
- 1 crore
- Funding Organization
- Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church