St. Francis Church is the first European Church in India. It is dedicated to the name of St Antony. The church of St Francis stands in Fort Cochin, which is 2 kilometers west of Mattancherry. Formerly it was a wooden structure but with time it has been renovated. The present day St. Francis Church in Kochi is a marvelous stone edifice.
St. Francis Church was built in the name of the patron of saint of Portugal, Santo Antonio. The Church stands in Fort Cochin, which is 2 kilometers west of Mattancherry. Fort Cochin is in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The tomb of Vasco da Gama is housed in this historical Church, built by the Dutch during their stay in India.
The St. Francis Church in Kochi was formerly a wooden structure and is the first European Church in India. However in the year 1506, the church was reconstructed with stone. The church was further renovated with mortar and bricks and a tiled roof was also erected. The renovation of the church was completed in the year 1516.
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The Past
In 1663 St. Francis Church became the official church of the Dutch, who captured Kochi. It continued to be the official church till 1795. During their stay in Kochi, the Dutch made some necessary renovation of the church. They retained the St. Francis Church in Kochi for sometime and handed over to the British in 1804. The British changed the name of the Church from St Antony to St Francis.
In 1923 St. Francis Church of Kochi was came under the Protected Monuments Act of 1904. The Cenotaph of the church built in 1920, stands in memory of the residents who sacrificed their lives in the First Great War. However, in 1947, the St. Francis Church became a member of the Protestant Church of South India.
The Present
The present day St. Francis Church of Kochi stands as a historical landmark. It speaks of the architectural excellence of India. Many Indian churches bear resemblance to the St. Francis Church of Kochi. The church is one of the Kochi tourist attractions.
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