Overview
- Features: Oldest European church in India
- Opening Times: 10am to 5pm (Mon-Sat)
- Best Time to Visit: Any day except Sunday
- Duration: 20 to 30 minutes
- Travelled By: Auto rickshaw
- Cost: Free
- Address: Bastion Street, Kochi, Kerala, India
- Type: Church
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Summary
Believed to be India’s oldest European-built church, St Francis Church Kochi was originally constructed in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars. The present stone building that stands here today was built in the mid-16th century to replace the original wooden structure. Adventurer Vasco da Gama, who died in Cochin in 1524, was buried in this spot for 14 years before his remains were taken to Lisbon – you can still visit his tombstone in the church.
St Francis Church Kochi
Believed to be India’s oldest European-built church, St Francis Church Kochi was originally constructed in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars. It was originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron saint of Portugal. The present stone building that stands here today was built in the mid-16th century to replace the original wooden structure.
The Church was renamed St Francis in 1663, and the Dutch both converted it to a Protestant church and substantially modified it. They retained control until 1795, adding the impressive gable façade at the entrance. In 1804, it became an Anglican church. In 1949 the congregation joined the Church of South India.
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The famous Portuguese adventurer and trader Vasco da Gama, well known for reaching India from Europe by sea instead of by the usual overland route, died on the site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. Fourteen years later his remains were removed to Lisbon in Portugal. You can still visit his tombstone in the church which is located on the southern side. His tombstone inside the church has been clearly marked and many people still visit this church just to see this marked spot.
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Also noteworthy here are the old string-pulled punkahs (fans) and the Dutch and Portuguese gravestones with inscriptions that now line the walls. The gravestones of the Portuguese are on the northern sidewall and the Dutch are on the southern wall. The earliest is a Portuguese epitaph which dates back to 1562. A cenotaph in memory of the residents of Kochi who fell in the World War I was also erected in 1920.
Getting to & from St Francis Church Kochi
Located next to the Santa Cruz Basilica, St Francis Church Kochi is located on Bastion Street in Fort Kochi. The easiest way to get here is to take an auto rickshaw which will drop you right in front of the Church. Buses ply to Fort Kochin bus stand from where it’s a short walk to the Church.
do we need to pay entry to this church?
For the vast majority of churches in India you don’t pay to enter. For St Francis Church there is not cost, although we encourage you to leave donation.