St. Francis CSI Church the oldest church in India was constructed by Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503 where the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was buried.
Add St. Francis Church to your bucket list as it is among the must-visit tourist attractions in Fort Kochi. Famous for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful architecture, it is one of the oldest churches in the country. Made by the Europeans, this church is a landmark of the city where the body of Vasco da Gama, the legendary explorer was buried. St. Francis Church has an elegant structure with a gambled timber-framed roof covered with tiles. The stepped summit on both sides of the frontage is truly captivating. You can feel the traditional charm of this church if you visit it.
St. Francis CSI Church is one of the oldest churches in India built by Europeans located in Fort Cochin famous for its simple architecture and beautiful ambience. People who come to the vibrant city of Kochi never forget to visit this elegant church because of its great historical importance. Constructed by the Portuguese in the year 1503, this is the place where the world-famous explorer Vasco Da Gama was buried.
St. Francis CSI Church was originally named Santo Antonio who is the patron of Saint of Portugal. It stands in Kochi as proof of European colonialism in India. The Rajah of Kochi permitted the Portuguese to build this fort in 1503 where they erected a wooden church.
The splendid architecture of the city reminds of those who ventured decades ago to the region with the intention to claim ownership of the land. Even if the Dutch army destroyed all the convents and churches in the region in 1663 during their invasion, they did no harm to St. Francis Church. This church is a protected monument today under the Protected Monuments Act of 1904.
St. Francis CSI Churchh in Kochi has the usual resemblance of any other church in the country. The roof of the church is timber-framed and covered with tiles same as many other churches in Kerala with semi-circular arches. The significance of this church is that it is among the oldest churches in India.
The bell turret of this church is divided into three portions. The major attraction of this tourist destination is the gravestone of the well-known Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama even though his remains were taken away to his home country after 14 years of his death. The burial spot of the explorer is marked inside the church clearly which has drawn many tourists from across the world.
With a large list of eye-catching attractions and an illustrious history, the colonial city of Kochi offers plenty of things for an avid traveler. This beautiful city welcomes travelers with its warm hospitality and rich heritage and has a history of more than 600 years. Kochi was one of the busiest trading centers in India and home to numerous traders from different parts of the world.
The stunning St. Francis Church in Kochi is easily accessible because of its location. It is around 13 kilometers away from Ernakulam. The nearest airport, Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery is around 22 km, away while the nearest railway station is Ernakulam. It can be a memorable experience to visit this historic church in Kochi.
Location: Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Phone : 91 484 2217505, Vicar: 94976 86517
Email: anathat2005@rediffmail.com
Visiting Hours
Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 12 – 5 PM
