India

Church of Saint Francis, Kochi

Portuguese church in Fort Kochi, India, early 16th century

Location

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Historical Context

About

Saint Francis Church, in Fort Kochi, Kochi, originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India and has historical significance as a witness to the European colonial ambitions in the subcontinent. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were relocated to Lisbon and is now interred at Jerónimos Monastery.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Vasco da Gama landing at Kappad

1498

Original construction of church

1503

Permission to rebuild in stone

1506

Death and burial of Vasco da Gama

1524

Removal of Vasco da Gama's remains to Lisbon

1538

Dutch capture and conversion

1663

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Fortresses
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Churches
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Reference

Details

Country

India

Coordinates

9.97° N, 76.24° E