Kochi - St Francis Church

St Francis Church in Kochi is the oldest church in southern India, built in 1503 by the Portugese Franciscan friars. The original wooden structure of St Francis was rebuilt of stone and taken over by the Dutch Protestants, and later the British Anglicans.

Vasco de Gama was buried at St Francis Church in 1524 but his remains were returned to Lisbon 14 years later. The gravestone is still located on the south side of the Church.

Over the years, St Francis has experienced numerous conversions. This simple structure features a vaulted timber ceiling, rope operated fans and a tropical facade. The Church became a protected monument in April 1923.