St. Francis CSI Church

The St. Francis Church is believed to be one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India. The famous explorer Vasco da Gama, the first Portuguese sailor to reach the shores of Kerala, died in 1524 during his third visit to Kochi. He was buried in this Church. After 14 years, his body was taken back to Portugal. His burial spot inside the church is clearly marked out and has drawn visitors ever since. Visitors should take their shoes off.

St. Francis CSI Church is one of the oldest churches in India and a famous landmark in Fort Kochi. The church is simple but full of history and peace. It is well maintained and has a calm atmosphere inside. This church is also known as the place where Vasco da Gama was originally buried before his remains were taken to Portugal. It’s easy to find and close to other tourist spots in Fort Kochi. Parking is limited to the roadside. Overall, it’s a peaceful and historic place that you should definitely visit when in Fort Kochi.

*One of the oldest European churches in India, built in 1503. *Peaceful and well-maintained, with calm surroundings. *Historical place where Vasco da Gama was first buried. *Beautiful old-style architecture with wooden roof and stone floor. *Located near the beach and Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi. *No entry fee, and photography is allowed inside. A must-visit spot for history lovers and anyone visiting Fort Kochi.

A Historic Gem in Kochi with Timeless Charm My visit to St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi was both peaceful and fascinating. This is one of the oldest European churches in India, originally built in 1503, and it carries a deep sense of history. The moment you step inside, you can feel the calm atmosphere and the weight of centuries gone by. The architecture is simple yet beautiful — high wooden ceilings, whitewashed walls, and large windows letting in soft natural light. There’s something very serene about the space; it invites you to slow down and reflect. This church is also famous for being the original burial place of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer. Though his remains were later taken to Portugal, his tombstone still lies here and is a significant historical spot for visitors. The surrounding churchyard is equally peaceful, with well-kept lawns and tall trees providing shade. It’s a lovely place to sit quietly for a while after exploring Fort Kochi’s busy streets. I was impressed with how well the church has been preserved. Despite its age, it remains a functioning place of worship, and visitors are welcome to attend services. The caretakers are friendly and happy to share historical details, making the visit even more meaningful. Tip: Visit in the morning when the area is quieter. Combine your trip with a walk around Fort Kochi to enjoy other heritage sites nearby. Remember to dress modestly as it is still an active church.

It is a historic site, with Vasco da Gama's original tomb located inside. It's a peaceful place to visit and see the original burial site of Vasco da Gama before his remains were moved to Portugal.

One of the oldest churches of India and well preserved Located near fort kochi beach, this is a must visit place when you are in Fort Kochi

Visited July 12, 2025 – Day 9 in India Our guide Peter took us on a walking tour through Fort Kochi and brought us to St. Francis Church. This is the oldest European church in India, and visiting it was a deeply meaningful part of our trip. Peter explained the fascinating history of the church. It was originally built by Portuguese Franciscan friars in the early 1500s. Later, when the Dutch took over Kochi in the 1600s, they converted the church to a Protestant place of worship. Eventually the British arrived and made it Anglican. Today, it belongs to the Church of South India. This church has seen so many chapters of history and faith, and Peter made it all come alive for us. One of the most interesting things we saw was the tomb of Vasco da Gama. He died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here, but years later his son had his body moved to Lisbon. The original tombstone still remains, and standing beside it was surreal. My five and seven year old daughters were curious about why we had to take off our shoes before entering, since it’s not a temple. Peter explained that many churches in Kerala follow this tradition out of respect, and also to protect the beautiful Victorian tiles inside which were imported from the UK. That made perfect sense, and it taught my children something new about how local culture blends with spiritual practice. Inside the church I felt peaceful and reflective. I took a quiet moment to pray for my family and friends, and I left feeling calm and grateful. The atmosphere was simple and serene, and the building carried such a sense of history. Peter was outstanding. He made the experience personal, educational, and memorable. We are so thankful for his guidance. This was one of the highlights of our day in Fort Kochi and I highly recommend visiting the church—especially if you can go with someone like Peter.

St. Francis CSI Church in Fort Kochi is India’s oldest European church, dating back to the early 1500s. Originally built by the Portuguese and later influenced by Dutch and British, it features a simple whitewashed exterior, wooden pulpit, and historic artifacts. The church is famous for Vasco da Gama’s temporary tomb and peaceful ambiance. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into colonial history and architecture. Open daily with free entry, it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.