Francis Church Tourism

St. Francis Church, situated in Fort Kochi in the city of Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India, is renowned for its historical significance and architectural elegance. It is considered the oldest European-built church in India. Constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese traders, it stands as a testament to the colonial struggle and influence in the Indian subcontinent. In 1524, the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama was buried in this church before his remains were later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. Over the centuries, the church has seen various transformations, as it has been under the control of the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. The architecture of the church is a blend of European and Indian styles. Simple in its structure, its beauty lies in its unpretentious façade and the serenity within. Visitors are often captivated by the antiquity and the tales of maritime explorers associated with this historic monument.