Prime Day & Hours: Sunday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours approximately
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Railway Station, 5 km away
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 69 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: KSRTC Bus Station Kollam, 3 km away
The Infant Jesus Cathedral in Tangasseri, Kollam, is one of the most historically significant churches in Kerala. Built by the Portuguese in 1614, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon, the first and oldest diocese in India. With centuries of religious and colonial history, the cathedral remains an important spiritual and cultural landmark of the region.
It is an active worship center where regular Holy Masses are held, attracting large numbers of visitors. These services are open to all and offer an insight into the deep-rooted Catholic traditions and communal devotion that have thrived here for generations. It is one of the notable places to visit in Kollam.
The architecture of the cathedral is a harmonious blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British styles and reflects the colonial heritage of Tangasseri. The high ceilings, arched windows, and wooden details evoke a sense of solemn grandeur. The stained glass windows which depict biblical scenes with artistic sophistication, provide vibrant colour and light. A rare and striking feature is the depiction of Christ in a meditative lotus posture, symbolising the fusion of Western faith with Indian culture.