Vasco da Gama was interred here for 14 years before his remains were moved to the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon.
The church was originally dedicated to St. Bartholomew when it was constructed by the Portuguese.
The Dutch East India Company converted the building into a Protestant church in 1664.
The cenotaph in the churchyard commemorates local residents who died during the First World War.
The building's architecture reflects a transition from colonial Portuguese influence to Dutch modifications.
It is one of the few surviving examples of early colonial architecture in Kerala.
The church's interior houses several ledger stones dating back to the 17th century.
St. Francis CSI Church in Fort Kochi holds the distinction of being the first European church built in India, originally constructed by Portuguese friars in 1503. The structure is built from brick and mortar and features a gabled timber-framed roof. It served as the initial burial site for Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524. Although his remains were repatriated to Lisbon 14 years later, his original gravestone remains inside the church. The building has undergone various religious transitions, having functioned as a Catholic church under the Portuguese, a Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch, and an Anglican church under the British. It attained protected monument status under the Archaeological Survey of India. The church is situated within the historic Fort Kochi heritage precinct.
From the front garden looking toward the entrance to capture the classic gabled roofline.
Walk through the surrounding Fort Kochi streets after your visit to see colonial-era bungalows.
Look closely at the floor inscriptions to see the dates of Dutch and Portuguese graves.
Visit during the morning to avoid the afternoon humidity common in Kerala.
Do not attempt to photograph the interior during active church services.
Closed to tourists during Sunday morning religious services.
Maintain silence; remove hats and shoes upon entering; dress modestly covering shoulders and knees.
