St. Francis Church, Kochi

St Francis Church, Kochi is the first European church built in India named after Santo Antonio, the benefactor Saint of Portugal. It does not characterize by any neat architectural splendor and thus better called as a model of many churches in India. Gabled timber-framed roof enclosed with tiles, semi-circular doors and windows are the prime fascinations of the fort. The bell tower of the Church at Kochi is separated into three sections. There remain the gravestones of the Portuguese at the northern wall whereas Dutch is embedded on the southern wall of the interior of the church. Gravestone of Vasco-da-Gama at St. Francis Church is the center of appeal in Kochi. The porticos are edged on either side by a stride pinnacle.

Located at Ernakulam district, St Francis Church is just 2 Km west of Mattancherry in Fort Cochin. Its history reflects the highly colonial struggle of European powers in India, from15th to 20th Centuries. A fresh Church was then dedicated to St. Antony in 1516. The Church stays in the sort of St. Francis until the arrival of the Dutch in 1663, who destroyed all the convents and churches of the spots, barring the Church of the Franciscans. Then the Church had undergone a repair and transformed into their Government Church. St. Francis Church is now a breathing historical tombstone and one of the chief travelers attractions in Fort Kochi. Millions of tourists are successfully making their way to Kochi just to unfurl the dignity of St Francis church.