Mar Sleeva Church, Mapranam

Mar Sleeva Syro-Malabar Church at Mapranam, Thrissur, is believed to have been built in 928 AD, which would make it one of the oldest in India. It belongs to the Irinjalakuda diocese and is a pilgrim centre with a historical and archaeological reputation. To its north lie the Karuvannur River, Arattupuzha Temple, and the Panamkulam and Pallissery churches.

Its great treasures came from the Vatican by order of Pope Leo XIII: a relic of the Holy Cross, a part of the Holy Blood, and a piece of the towel Veronica used on the face of Christ. Few churches in Asia have received these. Offering candles is the main ritual, and the yearly ceremony is called Thirithelikkal. A candle made here entered the Limca Book of Records as India's largest, at 1,079 kg and 22 feet tall. The main feast is on 14 September, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.