Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica Fort Kochi

The structure is very old yet remains at large...nice architecture to say the least...

One of the main tourist attractions in fort kochi... beautiful paintings

Historic place.The first Portuguese fort (Fort Manuel) in India was erected here, in 1503 after the Raja of Cochin granted permission to Captain Pedro Álvares Cabral.The first Portuguese church in India was also constructed here after destroying a mosque which stood inside the fort,at the entrance of the port.The materials from the demolished mosque were used for the construction of the new church dedicated to St.Bartholomew.Subsequently,in 1516-it was rebuilt and dedicated to St.Antony.This was later followed by the construction of the Church of Santa Cruz.In 1557,it was consecrated as the Cathedral of the Bishop of Cochin.The body of Vasco da Gama was buried here for 14 years from 1524 . This was the only church in Fort Cochin that was not demolished when the Dutch took control of Cochin in 1663.It was further renovated in 1779. The Dutch handed over the church to the Anglican Communion in 1804,who renamed it after St.Francis.

It's an ancient sacred Church for pray peacefully.nHistory cuddles you in very many ways in Fort Kochi. This versatile portion of Kochi takes us to a ride along the pages of past that is marked by historical edifices and structures. This time we are taking you to one such inimitable landmark where devotion embraces history, artistry, and architectural grandeur.nnThe Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in India. This heritage edifice of Kerala is also one of the finest and imposing churches in India. Located close to the renowned St. Francis Church, this basilica serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, the second oldest Diocese of India.nnThe history of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica dates back to the sixteenth century and begins with the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in 1500 CE. The construction works started when the first Portuguese Viceroy Dom Francisco de Almeida got permission from the Cochin Raja to build a church. The foundation stone was laid on May 3, 1505, the feast day of the 'Invention of the Holy Cross', hence the church was named Santa Cruz. Meanwhile the church had undergone some serious demolition and re-erection. The present day structure was consecrated on 19 November 1905. In 1984 Pope John Paul II raised the status of Santa Cruz Cathedral to Basilica for its antiquity, artistic dignity and historical importance.nnThis amazing construction has two lofty spires that welcomes all even from a distance. The exterior is white-washed and astonishingly bright and the interior is pastel-coloured. The interior of the church has Gothic style architecture with its overwhelming arches and an awe-inspiring altar. The main altar was decorated by the renowned Italian painter Fr Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of Mangalore. Their contribution is still vivid in the columns that are decorated with frescoes and murals. The seven large canvas paintings including a beautiful reproduction of the 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci are a real feast for the eyes. The ceilings of the church are adorned with paintings that depict scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ. The beautiful stained glass windows are another attraction.nnThe church, for its inimitable beauty and grandeur, has become a must-see destination in Fort Kochi.

Amazing experience natural beauty never forget this peaceful evening .