About Church of Saint Francis
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, (closed on Sundays) , 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM(on Saturdays)
Prime Day & Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours approximately
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction railway station, 14 km away
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, 45 km away.
Nearest Bus Stop: Fort Kochi Bus Stand, 600 m away.
St. Francis Church in Kochi was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars alongside Pedro Alvarez Cabral. Originally, it was a simple wooden and mud structure within the Portuguese fort Kochi, dedicated to St. Bartholomew.Later modified by the Dutch in 1663, a communion table and a nearby cemetery was added to the structure. The church was handed to the Anglican Church in 1804, renovated in 1886, and finally came under the Church of South India in 1949.
It also boasts a lofty structure with a gabled timber-framed roof and stepped pinnacles, retaining its old-world charm. Inside, two pinnacles crown the chancel roof, and elements like the carved wooden pulpit, confessional, and baptism platform highlight its historic elegance. Inscriptions on leaves depict the era of the Portuguese and Dutch. Regular masses and rituals enhance the church’s spiritual ambiance, making it not only a place of worship but also one of the must-see places to visit in Kochi.
A cenotaph in the church lawn, built in 1920, honors Kochiites who died in World War I. The church also holds the burial spot of Vasco da Gama, whose remains were later moved to Portugal. The Doop Book, the Dutch baptism and marriage register is preserved here, attracting Dutch descendants tracing their roots.
Church of Saint Francis Highlights
• Explore the rich history of St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, located in the heart of Fort Kochi.
• Admire the unique architecture, a blend of Portuguese Gothic and Dutch influences, featuring elegant wooden ceiling and arched windows..
• Experience vibrant masses, festive celebrations and cultural events like Chirtmas that bring history and tradition to life.
• Visit the original burial site of the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama which is of extreme historical importance even today.
How To Reach Church of Saint Francis
By road- The Saint Francis Church is located 7 km from the Kochi city center and can be reached in approximately 16 minutes via K.J. Herschel Road and KB Jacob Road.
You can also take a bus from Police Station, Kochi to Fort Kochi Bus Stand. Once you get down, you can enjoy a short 8 minute walk to the church, covering around 600 metres.
Best Time To Visit Church of Saint Francis
Peak Season (October to March):
- Weather insights- Pleasant weather, temperatures between 21°C and 24°C.
- Things to do- Visit the church, attend the masses, offer your prayers.
Moderate Season (July to September):
- Weather insights- Moderate rainfall, potentially humid, temperatures between 24°C and 29°C.
- Things to do- Explore the church, participate in the masses, engage in prayers.
Low Season (April to June):
- Weather insights- Hot and humid, temperatures between 39°C and 42°C.
- Things to do- Discover the church, take part in the masses, offer your prayers.
Church of Saint Francis Other Essential Information
Know before you go to Saint Francis Church:
- Recommended to dress modestly to respect the sanctity of the church.
- Suggested to visit during weekdays to avoid heavy tourist crowds.
- Avoid loud conversations and flash photography inside the prayer area.
- Requested to remove footwear before entering the premises.
- Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated during the visit.
- Requested to maintain silence during ongoing services and prayers.
- Avoid littering in and around the church premises.
Visit the Church
St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese friars, is one of the oldest European churches in India. It is famous as the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, whose tombstone remains here despite his remains being moved to Portugal. The church also houses the Doop Book, a Dutch baptism and marriage register (1751-1804) which attracts many Dutch descendants tracing their family roots. Additionally, a British register is preserved, further highlighting the church's colonial significance.
Admire the architecture
St. Francis Church, originally constructed with wood and mud, was situated in the heart of the Kochi Fort built by the Portuguese. It features a lofty, gabled timber-framed roof covered with tiles, stepped pinnacles on either side of the facade, showcasing its old-world charm. The interior boasts intricate details, including a wooden pulpit with carvings, a baptism platform and a simple arched opening dividing the chancel from the nave. A cenotaph, built in 1920 in memory of Kochiites who died in World War I, stands in the church lawn, adding to its historical significance.
Tourism Board Alliances
Church of Saint Francis FAQs
What is the dress code for St Francis Church Kochi?
There isn't a strict, written dress code for St. Francis Church in Kochi, however, visitors are expected to dress respectfully as it is a place of worship. This generally means covering knees and shoulders and avoiding overly revealing or casual clothing reframe.
What is the history of St Francis church Kochi?
St. Francis Church in Kochi, built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, is one of the oldest European churches in India. Originally a wooden structure, it was later rebuilt with stone around 1516. The church has witnessed Kochi’s colonial history, passing from Portuguese to Dutch control in 1663 and later to the British in 1795. It is especially famous as the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer.
What is the architecture of St Francis Church Kochi?
The architecture of St. Francis Church in Kochi reflects a blend of Portuguese and Dutch influences. Originally built in 1503 by Portuguese friars with simple wooden structures, the church was later reconstructed in stone around 1516. It features traditional European Gothic design, with arched windows, high vaulted ceilings, and a wooden interior. After the Dutch took control in 1663, Dutch elements such as stone-paved floors and a rectangular layout were added. The church’s whitewashed exterior and tall spire add to its colonial charm, while the interior remains simple and serene.
