St Mary's Knanaya Jacobite Syrian Church, a well known Christian church of South Kerala, is situated at Kallissery near
Chengannur in
Alappuzha District. The church is on the
Adoor-
Thiruvalla route. The church was established in the year 1580 by the Knanaites. The ancient portrait of St Mary is worth seeing. It is believed that the portrait was carried over here by the Knanaites during their migrations.
Also known by the name Kallissery Valiapally, this is one of the very few Knanaya churches in Kerala similar to the church at
Kaduthuruthy. The stone cross in front of the Kallissery church is believed to be very ancient.
Chengannur and Thiruvalla are about 2 km and 7 km away respectively. The nearest railway station is Chengannur Railway Station.
