The church was originally built of coconut wood and palm leaves before being reconstructed in stone by Portuguese priest Father Jacomo Fenicio.
The annual 11-day Feast of St. Sebastian is one of the largest religious festivals in Kerala.
Many devotees who complete the Sabarimala pilgrimage visit the basilica to offer prayers to St. Sebastian before returning home.
The statue of St. Sebastian was brought from Milan, Italy, in 1647.
In 2010, the church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.
The 'urulu nercha' ritual is a practice performed by devotees seeking intercession or offering gratitude for answered prayers.
The basilica is uniquely positioned just a short distance from the Arthunkal beach, creating a blend of maritime and religious heritage.
St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Basilica in Arthunkal is a historic coastal church originally built by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. It is the first basilica in the Diocese of Alleppey and holds significant religious importance for both Christian and Hindu pilgrims. The current structure, characterized by its imposing facade and high altar, was reconstructed in 1584. The church is famous for the 'Arthunkal Perunnal' feast, which draws thousands of devotees annually in January. It houses the venerated statue of St. Sebastian, often referred to as 'Arthunkal Veluthachan' or 'the fair-skinned father'. The architecture blends colonial influences with local Kerala aesthetics. The complex faces the Arabian Sea, serving as a landmark for fishermen and local communities. Pilgrims often perform 'urulu nercha', a ritual involving rolling on the ground around the church as an offering.
The main front facade of the basilica provides the best symmetry for photography against the clear blue sky.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to comfortably walk around the stone courtyard barefoot.
Carry a light umbrella or hat as the courtyard is open and exposed to intense coastal sun.
Respect the ongoing prayer services and maintain silence when entering the main sanctuary.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of midday without proper hydration, and refrain from photography inside the sanctuary during active liturgy.
The basilica experiences extreme crowds during the annual feast in January; local traffic is significantly restricted during this period.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees must be covered. Shoes must be removed before entering the basilica.
