The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is built in the Gothic style, an architectural style which originated in Europe during the middle ages. The very first chapel built by the Portuguese sailors was comparatively small in size. The 24 feet by 12 feet structure was later replaced by a bigger structure, measuring 70 ft by 22 ft. A major renovation happened in the year 1920 and another 20 ft was added to the main church. Apart from this, the later additions include two gothic towers at the entrance of the main church, which carry two massive bells. An upright flag pole (Kodi Maram) stands close to the main church, where a flag with the image of Mother Mary, is hoisted during the annual festival. From a distance, the church with the flag looks like a majestic vessel, perhaps one akin to the Portuguese ship that had landed on the shores of Velankani.

The year 1933 witnessed a second round of renovation, which resulted in the addition of two wings ... More

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is built in the Gothic style, an architectural style which originated in Europe during the middle ages. The very first chapel built by the Portuguese sailors was comparatively small in size. The 24 feet by 12 feet structure was later replaced by a bigger structure, measuring 70 ft by 22 ft. A major renovation happened in the year 1920 and another 20 ft was added to the main church. Apart from this, the later additions include two gothic towers at the entrance of the main church, which carry two massive bells. An upright flag pole (Kodi Maram) stands close to the main church, where a flag with the image of Mother Mary, is hoisted during the annual festival. From a distance, the church with the flag looks like a majestic vessel, perhaps one akin to the Portuguese ship that had landed on the shores of Velankani.

The year 1933 witnessed a second round of renovation, which resulted in the addition of two wings on the right of the main altar. They hold two separate altars donated by two well-known personalities of Thanjavur. Later with the addition of a 24 ft. high sacristy behind the High Altar, the church assumed the shape of a big cross. Despite these alterations, the statue of Velankanni Matha remained untouched right at the center of the main altar. The beauty of the church was further enhanced by a Gothic-style dome, towering the high altar and two majestic spirals. The 82 feet high dome is fitted with eight skylights, which filters the natural light, imparting a majestic look to the colored interiors.

The current edifice extends to a length of 182 ft. stretching from the main door on the east to the sacristy door at the west end. From one end of the wing to the other it measures 182 ft. In front of the high altar lies the spacious main hall with a width of 22 ft. The enclave consists of three chapels, as well as Our Lady's Tank, Church Museum, Priests' Residence, Offering Center, Stations of the Cross, Stations of the Rosary, etc. The exterior of the church is decorated with floral motifs made of lime mortar. The 36 inches thick walls are constructed of country bricks and the open terrace is decorated with architectural tiles. The entire building is painted white with a contrasting red coloured roof.