St. Francis Church at Kochi

About St. Francis Church at Kochi

The St. Francis Church is located in Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala. It is the first European Church in India. Vasco da Gama, the first European to come to India was buried here at the St. Francis Church. St. Francis Church was originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal. Situated 2 Km west of Mattancherry in Fort Cochin, This is a living historical monument and one of the main tourist attractions in Fort Kochi. This Church was originally a wooden structure.The St. Francis Church has no particular architectural merit, but it stands as a landmark of history and church architecture of India. It is interesting to note that numerous churches have been built in India keeping the St. Francis church as the model. It has been raised on a plan similar to the earlier types prevalent in Kerala, though in elevation This Church has discarded the idea of dominating tower over the chance.

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.

History

In 1503, by the Portuguese who came with Admiral Pedro Alvarez de Cabral, following the tracks of Vasco da Gama who landed at Calicut in 1498. In AD 1506, the Portuguese Viceroy Dom Francisco Almedia was permitted by the Cochin Raja to reconstruct the buildings in stone masonry. Accordingly the wooden Church was refurbished presumably by the Franciscan friars with bricks and mortar and a tiled roof was erected. In 1516 A.D the new church was completed and it was dedicated to St.Antony.

When the protestant Dutch captured Kochi in 1663, they converted it into their government church and made some renovations in AD 1779. The church was under the control of the Dutch until 1795 when the British captured Kochi from the Dutch. They permitted the Dutch to retain the church for sometime. In 1804, the Dutch voluntarily surrendered the church to the Anglican Communion when it was passed to Ecclesiastical Department of the Government of India. It is believed that the Anglicans changed the name of the patron saint to St. Francis.

Interesting things to Visit

Ernakulam Backwaters:

Ernakulam at kochi is More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest and the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.natural harbours in the world.

Historical Museum :

Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through through Sculptures. Greeting the visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama ,the mythological safe who is said to have created Kerala.

Bastion Bunglow :

Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort.

Bolghatty:

Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.

Cherai Beach:

Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.

Children’s Park :

A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.

Marine Drive:

Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.

Nearest Visiting places

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura:

This is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. In addition there are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants around the area.

Kodanad:

It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.

Willington Island:

This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to indulge in.

Kalady:

Situated on the banks of River Periyar, 45 km from Kochi is Kalady a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher of the 8th century AD. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to the goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises there is also a spot (Brindavan) where Adi Sankaracharya`s mother Aryamba was cremated. In addition to it there is an ancient Shri Krishna Temple close by which was me family temple of Adi Sankaracharya.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Thattakkadu Bird Sanctuary:

This bird Sanctuary on the Kochi-Munnar road, about 20 km from Kothamangalam. This sanctuary is rightly named after its explorer Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. A variety of native birds like the Malabar grey-horn bill, the woodpecker, the parakeet etc can be seen here. The Ceylon frog-moth and rose-billed roller are among the rare birds found in this sanctuary. Various migrant birds also come here during the season.

Malayatoor:

Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church built on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill. This hill is dedicated to St. Thomas. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine to participate in the annual festival of Malayatoor Perunnal, in the month of March. St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.

Bhoothathankettu:

Bhoothathankettu is a place situated in a vast virgin forest. This mythologically popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu. Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project are also located nearby.

Chendamangalam:

Chendamangalam is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
NH 47A, Palarivattom
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Supplyco Petrol Bunk
Near Iac, D H Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2362852.

BP Petrol Pump
NH 47A, Ernakulam Kerala.

BP Petrol Pump
Kacheripady, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Reliance Auto LPG Station
Seaport Airport Road
Kakkanad, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Le Meridian Cochin
Hotel Le Meridian, Maradu
Kochi, Kerala, India.

Hotel Taj Residency
Marine Drive, Ernakulam
Kerala, India.

Hotel Arches
Rose St, Fort Kochi
Kerala
Tel: 0484 2215050

The Old Courtyard Hotel
Princess St, Fort Kochi
Kerala 682001
Tel:0484 2216302

Serena Spa Koder House
Tower Rd, Kunnumupuram, Cochin
Kerala 682001
Tel:0484 2218485

Chiramel Home Stay
Fort Cochin, 1/296, Lilly street
Cochin
Kerala 68200
Tel: 09447818930

Hotel Park Avenue
Princess St, Fort Kochi,
Kerala
Tel:0484 2216670

Casa Mia Homestay
Pattalam Rd, Fort Kochi
Kerala 682001
Tel:0484 2215068

Holidays in Fort Cochin
Fort Cochin, Cochin
Kerala 682001
Tel:09895758992

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam,Kerala.

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Hill palace police station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Sevana Medineeds Pvt Ltd.
Kizakkambalam, Ernakulam (Dist)
Kochi, Kerala 683562
Tel: 0484 2680029.

Al Shifa Super Speciality Hospital For Piles
Near Ksrtc, Rajaji Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680035
Tel: 0484 2363777.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Near Sree Krishna Temple
Ravipuram Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2357135

Gyno Speciality Hospital
Internatioal Airport Junction, Athani
Ernakulam, Kerala 680585
Tel: 0484 2475031.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2302666.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Near Sree Krishna Temple, Ravipuram Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2357135.

Vijaya Insitute Of Medical Sciences
Kamadhenu Apartments,
Kaloor Road, Kadavanthara
Kochi, Kerala 682020
Tel: 0484 2205261.

Link:

http://keralnet.blogspot.com/2008/06/kochi-city\_1947.html
http://apassagethroughindia.blogspot.com/2009/07/green-kerala-fort-kochi.html
http://www.bangaloremonkey.com/2007/09/st-francis-church-cochin.html
http://churchesofkerala.blogspot.com/2008/08/st-francis-church-fort-kochi.html

Location info

• Address: Fort kochi Ernakulam(kochi), Kerala, India.

• District: Ernakulam district.

• Nearest City: Kalady, Angamally, Edapally, Kundara, ripunithura,Vaikom,Thalayolaparambu**.**

• Best time to visit: August to March.

Climate & weather

The climate of Ernakulam is tropical and average maximum temperature of 36°C in summer and minimum 18.0°C.

Things to do at St. Francis Church at Kochi

Watch the timber-framed roof covered with tiles and The doors and windows of the church have semi-circular arches. The gravestone of Vasco-da-Gama at St. Francis Church in Kochi is a major attraction here.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.

Best time to visit St. Francis Church at Kochi

The best time to visit St Francis Church At Kochi is during the Christmas season (December) when churches are beautifully decorated and midnight Mass celebrations are special. The annual feast days of individual churches are also ideal times to visit. November to February offers the most comfortable weather.

Timings & opening hours

Churches are generally open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Mass timings vary — typically morning Mass around 6:00 AM–7:00 AM and evening Mass around 5:00 PM–6:30 PM. Visitors are welcome outside of service times. Some historic churches close for lunch (12:30 PM–2:30 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to churches is generally free. Donations are welcome. Some historic churches with museums may charge a nominal entry fee of INR 10–20. Camera fees may apply for interior photography.

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for a regular visit. During feast days and services, plan accordingly. Guided heritage walks in church complexes may take 1.5–2 hours.

Safety tips

Maintain silence inside the church. Dress modestly (shoulders covered, no shorts). Photography rules vary — check signage before taking pictures. Be respectful duringMass services. Keep your belongings secure during crowded festival events.

Things to carry

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, a shawl or modest scarf, a camera (check interior photography policy), and an umbrella for weather protection. Head covering may be required in some churches (scarves are usually available at the door).

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Frequently asked questions

Are visitors welcome during Mass? — Yes, visitors are welcome to attend Mass services. Maintain silence and respect the service. Non-Catholics are welcome to observe but generally do not receive communion. Photography is usually not allowed during Mass. What is the history of this church? — Kerala’s Christian heritage dates to 52 AD with the arrival of St. Thomas. Each church has its own history and significance — ask the caretaker or check for information boards. Is there a dress code? — Modest dress is appreciated: shoulders covered, no shorts or mini skirts. Some churches provide shawls or wraps at the entrance. Photography restrictions? — Photography is generally permitted in the church interior without flash. Video recording may require permission. Some areas may be restricted, especially during services.