Old Seminary Kottayam

The Old Seminary, also known as Pazhaya Seminary or Orthodox Theological Seminary, is a historic religious and educational institution in Kottayam, Kerala. Founded in 1815 with support from Colonel John Munro, it is the first seminary of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and a landmark in Kerala's Christian history. Located in Chungam near Kottayam town, it is noted for its traditional Kerala architecture, historic chapel, and role in starting formal education in the region.

Visitors can expect a quiet heritage campus with traditional Kerala-style buildings, a historic chapel, classrooms and administrative blocks of the seminary, and a small museum/library displaying manuscripts, historical documents and religious artifacts. The setting is calm and academic, surrounded by greenery within Kottayam town. Visitors can walk through the courtyard, view the architecture, see the chapel interior when permitted, and learn about the seminary's educational and religious heritage through displays and guided explanations.

Founded in 1815 by Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius I with support from Colonel John Munro, the British Resident of Travancore, the Old Seminary is the first Orthodox seminary in Malankara. It played a central role in the history of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and in the development of modern education in Kerala. The seminary premises hosted the early classes of what became CMS College Kottayam in 1817, considered the first college in Kerala. It has been a centre for theological training and church administration for over two centuries.

The seminary is a major centre of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and a symbol of Kerala's Christian heritage and educational tradition. It preserves liturgical traditions, manuscripts and religious art, and continues to function as a theological college training clergy. The architecture reflects Kerala's traditional style adapted for a Christian institution, representing cultural synthesis in the region.