St. Francis Church

Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi holds the distinction of being the oldest European church in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here before his remains were later taken to Lisbon, and his tombstone still marks the spot. The church has passed through Portuguese, Dutch, and British hands, and its layered history makes it one of the most significant colonial heritage sites in the entire country.