Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi, with a remarkable Gothic facade and towering spires is one of the most imposing edifices in Kerela. This 5oo year old Roman Catholic Church, renowned for the colors and splendor of its gothic architecture is a sacred place as well as a site of immense historical importance since 1505.
Location
: This illustrious Christian Shrine is located at K.B Jacob road in Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district in Kerala.Significance
: This Bishopric of Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in India, erected by the Portuguese in Gothic architectural style and adorned with stunning paintings on the ceilings.History
: The history of Santa Cruz Basilica dates back to 1500 with the arrival of the Portuguese missionaries. In 1505, the first Portuguese Viceroy- Francesco de Almeida acquired permission from the Raja of Kochi to construct this Christian place of worship in Fort Kochi, which is the repository of Colonial history.The stone base was set on May 3, 1505, the feasting day of the ‘Invention of the Holy Cross’, and so this magnificent structure was known as Santa Cruz. In 1558, the status of Santa Cruz church was enhanced to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV. Since then it became the Bishopric of Cochin. Later with the Dutch conquest in 1663, the social fabric of the place was disrupted and almost all Catholic edifices and other buildings were demolished, however Santa Cruz Basilica withstood the ravages. It was spared and was used as warehouse of arms. But in 1795, it was ultimately destroyed when Kochi came under British dominion.
After hundred years, in 1887, the archpriest of Cochin- Bishop Dom Joao Gomes Fereira started restoring it and the building was finally accomplished by his follower Dom Mateus Oliveira Xavier. In 9th December 1984, Pope John Paul II heralded this church a Basilica.
Architecture
: The Church has a bright, gothic façade with two soaring spires. The internal chamber is pale- colored and looks impressive with strained glass windows and colossal columns are embellished with murals and frescos. The main altar is decked by the famed Italian artist Br. Moschini S. J. and his follower De Gama of Bangalore. There are also seven massive canvases depicting the passion and death on the Cross. The recherché painting of the Last Supper, based on Leonardo da Vinci’s feted painting, is truly astounding. The vignettes of various aspects of Christ’s life beautify the ceiling.Mass Schedule
: Masses are observed every weekday (from Monday to Friday) at 6 am, 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. On Sundays, masses are held at 5.30 a.m., 6.45 a.m., 8.00 a.m., 9.05a.m and 4.30 p.m.Connectivity
Air
: The nearest airport is the International Air Port at Nedumbassery, about 22 kms away, International Cochin Airport lies 35 kms away.Rail
: The nearest railway station is at Ernakulam situated 13 km from Fort Kochi. Kochi has 2 major stations at Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town.Bus
: The bus ride from Ernakulam town, which is 13 km away, involves an hour. KSRTC Central Bus station is close to the Ernakulam Junction railway station. Water: Kochi is also accessible by a boat from Ernakulam. There are ferry rides from Earnakulam’s Main boat jetty to Fort Cochin from around 6am to 9.30pm.Last Updated on 24 May 2011
