The St.Francis Church
The St. Francis Church is believed to be one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in 1503. It is constructed by the Portuguese with the permission of the erstwhile Cochin Raja.
The old world charm and magnificence is very visible on every element of the church.
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.
An old Dutch baptism and marriage register (1751 to 1804), the Doop Book, is preserved in the church. Many Dutch citizens visit the church to try and trace their family roots from the register. The church also has a British register.