St. Francis Church

The gothic appearance and historical potency of St. Francis CSI church which is located within the periphery of Fort Kochi is amongst the most dynamic and immemorial European church. Its construction which started during the early phase of 15th century has made this church oldest amongst all and its testimonies that still portrays the wisdom of colonials makes it important and imperative. The church in fact reflects the accounts of European invaders and Portuguese in this context requires special mention because the corps of Vasco Da Gama was laid within the holy ambience of the church before it was reallocated to Lisbon with true rituals.

History

To understand the historical accounts of the church traveler would require walking the days of 15th century when Franciscan Friars of Portugal walked the mainland of Kochi with Pedro Alvarez Cabral. With their arrival the church which was made out of wood and mud was renovated after taking permission from the then King of Cochin and after reconstruction it was named after St Bartholomew. it was again in 1516 the church was renovated under the guidelines of Portuguese and was dedicated to praise the deeds of Santo Antonio. Since we understand that the phase of 15th century was marked by colonial invasion and church along with Kochi was not an exception the invasion of Dutch paralyzed the upper hand of Portuguese which in turn allowed them to convert the church into their religious sect. it was during the call of 18th century British marked their feet and asked Dutch administration to capitulate the church to the norms of Anglican Church and with the arrival of British the church came to be known as the church of South India.

Architecture

The very appearance of church reflects the influence of colonial architecture and its elevated structure which is decorated by timber and framed roofs speaks the volume. Acme of stairs which is structured at either side of the pretense retains the glory of European chronicles.  The interior design of the church is complimented by the stepped pinnacle that reaches the top of the roof and the plain dome that opens towards the space splits the basilica from the heart. The openings of the church are manicured by the brilliance of the lawn and in middle of it you will witness monument which was structured in 19th century to commemorate the deeds of the Kochiites. .

The Vasco Da Gama Connection

To understand the significance of the church one must understand its integral connection with Vasco Da Game whose corpse were laid within the floor of the church before it was shifted back to the Lisbon the capital of Portugal.  Traveler must understand that he was the first sailor to reach the mainland of Kerala and to commemorate his greatness his cadaver was drawn into the holiness of the church.

Present Scenario of the Church

It was during the call of 19th century the church was declared secluded under the Protected Monuments Act of 1904. At present the church is administer by the Archaeological Survey of India and it is religiously run by North Kerala diocese of Church of South India.