The region is surrounded by backwaters and islands. Fort Kochi is bordered by Arabian Sea to its west, and is surrounded by various small islands in the other direction. The weather is tropical monsoon making it a perfect holiday destination.
Pilgrim
St. Francis Church, Kochi
About St. Francis Church, Kochi
St. Francis CSI Church is located in the city of Cochin and the district of Ernakulam. It is the oldest European-built church in India and has an important significance in the history of power struggle in India. The church is dedicated to St. Bartholomew and has seen many renovations since its time of construction. Despite the renovations, the church still retains its charm attracting tourists from all over the world.
The Dutch cemetery is located close to the church and consists of graves of all the Dutch who left their homeland to come to India for trade and military purpose. The cemetery is currently maintained by the Church of South India.
Kerala tourism offers a large number of tour packages to go around the city, making sure the tourists spend a sufficient amount of time in visiting the church and the cemetery. There are also various hotels in Kochi and in the district of Ernakulam, which one could select from for a pleasant stay.
History or Myth
St. Francis Church has witnessed the struggle of the European struggle in India. A fort was built by Vasco da Gama, Albuquerque and Cabral in Kochi, after obtaining permission from the then Rajah of Kochi. Within this fort, they built a church made mostly of wood. When Vasco da Gama died during his stay in India, he was buried in the church, but his remains was later taken back to Lisbon. An evidence of this is the headstone with his name, which is still present in the church’s cemetery.
Tips or precaution
- Visit the cemetery which is open to tourists on request.
- Visit various other tourist spots around Cochin.
How to reach
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BY AIR
St. francis Church is only 37 Kilometres away from the Cochin International airport(Nedumbasserry). -
BY TRAIN
You can reach by train from any part of India. Nearest railwaystation is Ernakulam Junction Railway Station(13 Kilometers). -
BY ROAD
Bus service is available from all the places in Kerala and luxury buses are available from most of the South Indian cities.
Highlights or specialities
- Fort Kochi
- Dutch cemetery
- Medieval architecture
- Easy accessibility
- Vasco da Gama’s gravestone