st francis church

The St. Francis Church was originally known as Santo Antonio. It is the first European Church in India and is located in Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is located around 2 kms west of Mattancherry in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The church was initially built in wood by the Portuguese in 1503. However it was later overlaid with stone masonry by the Franciscan friars. During the Dutch invasion of 1663, it was converted into a Protestant Church.

In 1804, the authority of the church was transferred to the Anglican Communion under British Government. The old name of Santo Antonio was changed and the church came to be known as St. Francis Church. The church has another significance as the famous European sailor, Vasco da Gama was originally entombed here in 1524. Though his remains were later sent to Lisbon, the tomb is still preserved in this church till date. The church stands out as a milestone in the church architecture and history of Kerala.

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