About St. Francis Xavier's Church, Sampaloor
St. Francis Xavier's Church in Sampaloor is a historic Catholic pilgrim center located on the banks of the Chalakudy River in Thrissur district, Kerala. Known as the 'Goa of Kerala', it was visited by St. Francis Xavier in 1542, 1544, and 1548, establishing the first Christian community in South India. The church complex houses two museums and was home to St. Paul's Press, where the first Malayalam printing occurred in 1663.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore the historic church building, view religious artifacts and relics including cannon balls from Tippu Sultan's invasion, visit the Historicum Museum and Anglo-Indian Cultural Museum on the premises, and learn about the Jesuit missionary history. The church is situated along Palayamparambu Road with parking facilities available.
Key highlights
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Visited by St. Francis Xavier in 1542, 1544, and 1548
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Site of first Malayalam printing press established in 1663
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Two museums: Historicum Museum and Anglo-Indian Cultural Museum
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Relics of St. Francis Xavier's right hand preserved
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Known as the 'Goa of Kerala' and cradle of Indian Mission
History of St. Francis Xavier's Church, Sampaloor
St. Francis Xavier visited Sampaloor in 1542, 1544, and 1548, establishing the first Christian community in South India. The church was destroyed during Tippu Sultan's invasion in 1781 and reconstructed in 1862 by Bernadian Bechinelly. St. Paul's Press, established in 1663, produced the first Malayalam printed text. The site served as a major Jesuit seminary and missionary training center.
Culture & Context
Known as the 'Goa of Kerala' and the cradle of Indian Mission, Sampaloor holds significant importance in Kerala's Christian heritage. It was a center for Jesuit missionaries including St. John Britto, Fr. Joseph Constantine Beschi, and Arnos Pathiri. The village name derives from 'São-Paulo-Ur' meaning land of St. Paul.
Route
| By air |
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