St. Mary's Church Vellayil

About this event

St. Mary’s CSI Church, popularly known as the English Church, is a historic Christian landmark in Nadakkavu, Kozhikode, with a heritage dating to 1860. Built during the British period to serve British personnel and Christian members of the Collectorate and military community, the church continues to follow Anglican traditions of worship and remains an active place of Christian prayer. Its colonial-era architecture and long association with Kozhikode’s history give the church a distinctive character within the city’s religious heritage. One of its notable features is the altar-piece, a replica of Raphael’s Madonna del Granduca, which adds an artistic dimension to the church’s historic setting. The adjoining cemetery is another important feature, containing old tombs dating back to the early 18th century, including a tomb dated 1717. These memorials provide a tangible link to the colonial history of Kozhikode and contribute to the site’s heritage value. The church has undergone renovations over the years while retaining elements of its historic character. Today, it serves the local Christian community through regular worship and remains a place where visitors can experience an important part of Kozhikode’s religious and colonial heritage. Located in the Nadakkavu area, the church is also within the wider urban landscape of Kozhikode, making it accessible alongside the city’s other historical and cultural attractions. For visitors interested in architecture, history and religious heritage, St. Mary’s CSI Church offers an opportunity to explore the legacy of Anglican Christianity in Malabar and the historical connections between Kozhikode and the British period. Its combination of continuing religious use, colonial architecture, the Raphael-inspired altar-piece and historic cemetery makes it a distinctive heritage site in the city.

🚆 Railway: Vellayil Railway Station is the closest railway station; Kozhikode Main Railway Station is the principal major station serving the city. The church is in the Nadakkavu/Vellayil area.

✈️ Airport: Calicut International Airport at Karipur, approximately 26 km from Kozhikode city.

🚌 Bus: The church is located in Nadakkavu and can be reached by local buses and other city transport services operating through the Kozhikode urban area

🏨 Stay: Hotels, guesthouses and other accommodation options are widely available in Kozhikode city, including areas around Nadakkavu and the Beach Road.

✅ Notes: The church is also known as the English Church. Visitors should respect ongoing worship and church regulations. The historic cemetery and church interiors should be visited according to the access rules of the church