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The Church of Saint Francis in Cochin is a simple yet impressive structure with a unique magnificence. It stands as a prime landmark in the Fort Kochi and has often been seen as a model church structure and is a major tourist attraction in Cochin. Location of the Church of Saint Francis in Cochin: The magnificent Church of Saint Francis in Cochin is situated in the Ernakulam district of Kerala in India. The Church lies in Fort Kochi and is a famous tourist attraction in Cochin. Two kilometers from Mattancherry, the Church of Saint Francis in Cochin, is a legendary monument and is sure to captivate you. Timing of the Church of Saint Francis in Cochin: The Saint Francis in Cochin is open from dawn to dusk. You can also visit it during Sundays when a special Sunday mass at eight in the morning, excepting on the third Sunday of each month. History of the Church of Saint Francis in Cochin: The Church of Saint Francis in Cochin holds the honor of being the first European Church in India. It was initially a wooden structure, made permanent by the Portuguese Viceroy, Dom Francisco Almeida, in AD 1506, after receiving permission from the Cochin Raja. The Church of Saint Francis in Cochin denotes the power struggle in India that took place before Independence. This church has therefore passed through various authorities, namely- Franciscan friars, Dutch Protestants, Anglicans and is now presided over by the Church of South India. Features of the Church of Saint Francis in Cochin: " Church of Saint Francis, Cochin, was made in honor of Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of the Portuguese.
" The church also holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama, the first European to set his foot on Indian soil. Originally buried in the Church of Saint Francis, Cochin, his body was later exhumed and taken to Portugal but his tomb can still be seen in the church cemetery.
" Also referred as the St Francis Xaviers Church, it now stands as a protected monument under the Protected Monument Act of 1904. The Church of Saint Francis is a must see in Cochin.
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