Vypeekotta Seminary

A visit to the remains of Vypeekotta Seminary takes you into a bygone age. Situated in Chendamangalam village in Ernakulam district this protected monument was part of a monastery established by Jesuit priests from Portugal. The seminary used to function as a college to teach priests the ceremonies and rituals associated with the Roman Catholic Church.

The monastery, also known as Chennattu Maha Vidyalayam, is supposed to have had the first-ever printing press in Kerala. It was almost destroyed in a war and all that remains now is a mere shell of the old building, protected under the State Archaeology Department. Besides, pottery excavated from this area have been transferred to the State Archaeology Museum in Thrissur. Stone inscriptions can be seen in the church compound wall. Visitors can also see remnants of three ancient caves.