St. Francis Church Location

St. Francis Church in Kochi, formerly known as Santo Antonio, is the first church built by the Europeans in India. This shrine which has endured the ravages of time stands as a testimony to its colonial past.

Location

: This church is situated in the Eort Kochi, 2 kms west of Mattancherry in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.

Significance

: It was the earliest European Church to be built in India. This church is also the burial site of the world-famous European sailor Vasco da Gama.

History

: This age-old St. Francis Church was consecrated to Santo Antonio, the saint of Portugal. It was the first church established by the Europeans in India. Initially when the church was raised in 1503 by the Portuguese, it was made of wood and was dedicated to St Bartholomew. Later it was renovated by the Franciscan friars; the structure was built in masonry and the roof was furnished with tiles. After the completion of the Church, it was dedicated to St.Antony. Then with the Dutch invasion in 1663, the church was transformed into a Protestant Chuch. After 1795 when Kochi was under British dominion, the authority of this church was transferred to the Anglican Communion under British Government and the name was changed to St. Francis Church.

Under the Protected Monuments Act of 1904, this historical shrine was turned into protected monument. A tribute was paid to the citizens of Cochin who lost their lives in the First World War, by erecting a Cenotaph in their remembrance at this holy place. This cenotaph was revealed by the Governor of Madras on 21st October. In 1947, this church became a part of the Protestant Church of South India (CSI).

Architecture

: It has no special architectural traits as such , yet this church pioneered a new form of Church architecture i.e. the European style of architecture on the basis of which the later churches were modeled.

This towering structure has a gabled roof framed with wood and furnished with tiles. It has curved entranceway that faces the west. The striking facade is edged on each side by a stepped peak. A small bell tower is positioned atop the gable-frontage.

The internal chamber housed the Portuguese and the Dutch tombs under the grounds and walls; however they were removed in 1886. Interestingly, this church also entombed Vasco da Gama, the world-famed sailor and the first European to visit India. His remains were transferred to Lisbon after 14 years of his death, but the tomb is still preserved in at the base in the southern side of this ancient church.

Things of interest- The 'Doop Book', the old marriage and baptism register from 1751 - 1804 which lies in the vestry is of great historical significance and attraction for history buffs. This book exhibits the original handwriting of Predikant Cornelies and was posted to London in 1932 for repairing the leaves and was rebound in its actual state. The hand operated fans (Pankhas) in the church hark back to the bygone days that were marked by British affluence.

Mass Schedule

: The church is still used for Sunday services at 0800 hours, only the third Sunday of every month is exempted

Connectivity

Air

: The nearest airport is the International Air Port at Nedumbassery, about 22 kms away; International Cochin Airport is about 35 kms away.

Rail

: The nearest railway station is at Ernakulam, located 13 km from Fort Kochi. Kochi has 2 important stations at Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town.

Bus

: The bus ride from Ernakulam town, which is 13 km away, takes about an hour. KSRTC Central Bus station is near to the Ernakulam Junction railway station.

Water

: Kochi is also accessible by a boat from Ernakulam.

Last Updated on 24 May 2011