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Church of Saint Francis

Overview

•Saint Francis Church, in Fort Kochi, Kochi, originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India and has historical significance as a witness to the European colonial ambitions in the subcontinent.
•The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India.

Highlights

Saint Francis Church, in Fort Kochi, Kochi, originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India and has historical significance as a witness to the European colonial ambitions in the subcontinent.
The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India.
His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were relocated to Lisbon and is now interred at Jerónimos Monastery.

Dress Code

Modest, respectful clothing is expected at this site.

History

•Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route from Europe to India, landed at Kappad near Kozhikode in 1498.
•He was followed by Pedro Álvares Cabral and Afonso de Albuquerque.
•They built Fort Emmanuel at the Fort Kochi Beach with permission from the Raja of Cochin.
•Within the fort, they built a church with a wooden structure, which was dedicated to St.
•Bartholomew.

Things to Do

Visit Church of Saint Francis

Flexible

CultureEasy

Frequently Asked Questions

Saint Francis Church, in Fort Kochi, Kochi, originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India and has historical significance as a witness to the European colonial ambitions in the subcontinent. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India.

It is about 0.4 km from central Kochi.

The most comfortable months are January, February, March, April and November; February is the hottest, with highs around 32°C.