St. Francis Church in Kochi is one of the most famous churches in Kerala. The St. Francis Church was built in the European style of architecture in 1503, and the wooden structure was also established in 1503.
It is believed that Vasco Da Gama breathed his last here, and his remains were kept in this church for a few years before they were shifted to Portugal. The church remained under the order of St. Francis till the invasion of the Dutch, who destroyed it all except the church.
History of St. Francis Church Kerala
Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, or Cochin, in 1524 and was buried here before moving the remains to Portugal. St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Kochi is the oldest European church in Kochi. The Portuguese Franciscan friars constructed it. It has a resemblance to the Trinity Church in Bangalore.
History of St. Francis Church Kerala
In the year 1663, the Dutch converted St. Francis Church into a protestant church from a Catholic Church. It was under their rule till 1795, and then it was accepted into the Anglican Communion of the British. St. Francis Church is a part of the Protestant Church of South India.
Inside the St. Francis Church of Kochi in Kerala, you can find several inscriptions and anecdotes of Portuguese and Dutch rulers. Originally this church was dedicated to Santo Antonio, a priest of Portugal, and later on named St. Francis Church.
St. Francis Church Kerala Timings
- Every day of the week, everyone is welcome to visit St. Francis Church.
- St. Francis Church is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (on Sunday).
- A special mass will be held at the church every Sunday for all believers who follow the CSI.
St. Francis Church Kochi Entry Fee: No entry fee.
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