St Francis Church Kochi is a historic church on Church Road in Fort Kochi, Kerala, with a history dating to 1503. Its Portuguese, Dutch and British chapters, along with its connection to Vasco da Gama, make it a notable stop while exploring Fort Kochi.
- Location: Church Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, PIN 682001.
- Visitor hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–17:00, Saturday 09:00–13:00, Sunday 13:00–17:00.
- From Ernakulam South railway station, the church is about 12 km away.
- Fort Kochi Bus Terminal is 500 metres from the church.
Where St Francis Church is
St Francis Church is on Church Road in Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, PIN 682001. The church is administered by the Church of South India (CSI), and Fort Kochi Bus Terminal is 500 metres away.
Its setting makes it straightforward to include with a day in the historic peninsula. If you are planning a wider route, one day in Kochi can help put Fort Kochi into context alongside other stops.
A short history of the church
Kerala Tourism traces the church’s history to 1503, when Portuguese Franciscan friars built a wooden-and-mud church dedicated to St. Bartholomew. It was reconstructed and reopened in 1516, dedicated to Portugal’s patron saint, Santo Antonio.
The Dutch took possession during their invasion of Kochi in 1663 and built an adjacent cemetery. After the British invasion of Kochi in 1795, the Dutch surrendered the church to the Anglican Church in 1804. It was renamed and renovated in 1886, and the Church of South India took over its management in 1949.
Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried at the church. His remains were taken to Portugal 14 years later; his burial spot is marked inside. The church’s architectural features include a gabled, timber-framed roof covered with tiles and a carved wooden pulpit.
A cenotaph on the lawn, built in 1920, commemorates Kochi residents who died in World War I. The church also preserves the Dutch baptism and marriage register known as the Doop Book, covering 1751 to 1804.
How do you get from Ernakulam to St Francis Church?
Opening hours and visitor etiquette
Published visitor hours are 09:00–17:00, with Saturday hours of 09:00–13:00 and Sunday hours of 13:00–17:00. The church holds Sunday services at 07:30 in English and 10:00 in Malayalam.
Because published visitor hours differ, check the official site before you go. The church website publishes the phone number 081290 11503. If you need to confirm a particular requirement, contact the church directly. Hotel Grand Seasons is a three-star hotel in Kochi where you can plan your stay.
FAQs
When was St Francis Church built?
The church’s history dates to 1503, when Portuguese Franciscan friars built a wooden-and-mud church. It was reconstructed and reopened in 1516.
Where is St Francis Church in Kochi?
It is on Church Road in Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, PIN 682001.
Is Vasco da Gama buried at St Francis Church?
Vasco da Gama was buried at the church after his death in Kochi in 1524. His remains were later taken to Portugal, and the church marks his burial spot.
Are there Sunday services at St Francis Church?
Sunday services are at 07:30 in English and 10:00 in Malayalam.