In Kozhikode, the Mother of God Cathedral, also known as Valiya Palli, is located close to Beach Road. The cathedral serves as the administrative center for the Malabar Roman Catholic community. The Portuguese signed a pact with the Zamorins in 1513, which marks the beginning of the church’s history. The Portuguese constructed a factory and a church in Kozhikode to the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception with the Zamorins’ approval. Back then, the church’s name was Matri Dei. For the Catholic community of the Calicut Diocese, the construction of this church marked the beginning of a new era.
The Archbishop of Goa, Dom Alexis de Menezes, visited Kozhikode in 1599 and met the Zamorin. Later, he sent more Jesuits to Kozhikode to renovate the chapel with the Zamorin’s help.
In 1724, the Zamorin entered into another treaty with the Portuguese, upon which he promised all support to complete the renovation of the church. The church was rebuilt with stone and mortar. A vestry, a belfry and porches were added to the structure. In 1923, the church became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Calicut.
Interesting Facts about the Church
Italian architects were brought to Kozhikode for the sole purpose of designing this Gothic-style cathedral. The curved arches above the doors and windows, the colonnade on the spires and many other such architectural feats stand as a testimony to the aesthetic sense of the Italian architects as well as the artistic skill of the Indian workers. The Neo-Roman architectural influence on this elegant structure is evident in the façade flanked by lofty, square towers on either side.
Another attraction is the 200-year-old portrait of St Mary on a wall of the church. The adjoining cemetery is well maintained. The tombstone of Pedro de Covilhany, the first Catholic Missionary to visit Kozhikode, can be seen here.
