Introduction

About 25 kilometers (15.6 miles) from Trichy junction and 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the Grand Anicut dam, Poondi Madha Basilica is one of the famous churches in Tamil Nadu. It is tucked away in a tiny hamlet called Alamelupuram Poondi to whose south and north the Cauvery and its tributary slice through. This grand white church was built in the first half of the 18th century by an Italian Jesuit missionary, Reverend Father Constantine Joseph Beschi, and named it the Church of Mary Queen of Immaculate Conception.

Many years later in 1955, Reverend Father Lourdes Xavier was appointed as Parish Priest. He worked towards improving the condition of the church, and restored the central roof which was in a fragile state. In fact, Poondi, Papanasam, Elakurichi are the three parishes of the 66 of Kumbakonam. In 1999, the shrine was declared a Basilica by Pope John Paul II.

The church authority is involved in an array of social work such as providing monetary aid to village schools, running a dispensary in the Basilica campus, and engaging village girls in candle manufacturing among others.

Special Attributes

One of the oldest churches in South India

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Private taxi

Enjoyed by

Architecture enthusiasts and those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Community hall, Father Lourdes Xavier restaurant, parking lot, children's park, drinking water facility, cloak room, and telephone booth

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Keep your tone low and turn your phone to silent mode.

Type of site

Church/Place of Worship