There are some places of worship that are more than divine; more than sacred places to pray and worship. They will have tales of generations to tell and will be drenched in the charm of an enigmatic past. St. Mary’s Church in Kozhikode is one such venue that brings to our minds the images of India’s colonial past. Also known as the English Church, St. Mary’s Church was built by the British in 1860 and stands out in terms of architectural beauty.
Located in Nadakkavu, St. Mary’s Church was originally built to cater to the worship requirements of British personnel employed in the military and collectorate. The church is renowned for upholding the Anglican traditions of worship to this day. There are a few tombs near the church that dates back to 1717. The altarpiece of the church is one of great fascination and value – a replica of Madonna del Granduca, a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist, Raphael.
The church has stood the test of centuries and in the process had to undergo several rounds of renovations in its history. However, it still reflects the charm of the olden times and serves as a major centre of worship in the city.
