A major pilgrim center for Christians, St. Mary's church is located in the middle of Vallarpadam island across the backwaters from the mainland Ernakulam This popular shrine was built by the Portuguese missionaries in 1524. History has it that the old church, which was then known as the Church of the Holy Spirit, was destroyed in floods in the 17th century and a new church was built on the same spot in 1676. It was declared a special church by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. In 1951, the Union Government declared it a major pilgrim centre. The church was declared the status of a basilica on February 12, 2005. The church has the famous picture of the 'Blessed Virgin Mary' which the Portuguese brought from their native land.