Church of Saint Francis, Kochi (Cochin)

One of the oldest Colonial Churches in Kerala. This church is the prime example of Dutch Architecture, which was later used for construction of many other churches in Kerala. This place housed the tomb of Vasco Da Gama before being taken back to Lisbon. The church is being well maintained and retains it's charm. There is a calm and serene atmosphere here. It's an architectural heritage. And is a must visit for all history and architecture fanatics out there. Totally worth a visit to this silent witness of Cochin's History throughout the centuries.

The St. Francis Church, well-known for its beautiful structural design and ambience, has an important place in history. It is here that the famous explorer, Vasco-da-Gama, was originally buried. His remains would be taken back 14 years later but to this day, the exact spot is clearly marked. The place is known for its deep Dutch and Portuguese influences and is an architectural marvel in itself. The credit for its construction goes to the Portuguese Franciscan Friars in 1503. Originally made with mud and wood, it went under a lot of work with the Portuguese, Dutch and the British leaving their imprints on the place.

The Dutch connection of Fort Kochi does not end with the above mentioned two churches. Down the road from St Francis Church, that runs parallel to the beach, stands the Dutch Cemetery. The cemetery, which was consecrated in 1724, is believed to be the oldest in the country.  The cemetery, built in the style of the Dutch architecture of the time, is surrounded by walls and the year 1724 is engraved on the entrance pillar.  The epitaphs and tombs, numbering 104, carry the authentic records of hundreds of people of Dutch and British nationality.  Many of the tombs are made of granite and red laterite and have no cross. There are big as well as small tombstones and the inscriptions on the epitaphs are in the old Dutch script.

The church I attend every Sunday! An incredibly peaceful place enveloped in history.... history etched on the walls, in the stone flooring and the punkah fans.. The English service is at 8am every Sunday and everyone is welcome..!

St. Francis Church of Kochi was originally named as Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal. Though it has hardly any architectural merits, it has been the model of many churches in India. The church has gabled timber-framed roof covered with tiles. The doors and windows of the church have semi-circular arches. The facades are flanked on either side by a stepped pinnacle. The bell turret of St. Francis Church at Kochi is divided into three compartments. Inside the church, the gravestones of the Portuguese is on the northern wall and that of the Dutch is on the southern wall. The gravestone of Vasco-da-Gama at St. Francis Church in Kochi is a major attraction there. Incidentally, after 14 years of his death, the remains were taken away to Lisbon in Portugal