Explore Kerala, “God's own country” and an exotic mixture of nature's beauty and wonderful architectural splendor. While in Kochi take the thrill of backwater ride and numerous sightseeing options like Fort Kochi Beach, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kerala Museum,Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and lot more.

Among a number of architectural splendor to visit in Cochin the two large Churches, Santa Cruz Cathedral and St. Francis Church demand the spacial mention. St. Francis Church or St. Francis Xavier's Church was the first Church to be constructed in the European influenced style and tradition. It represents the Dorian style of architecture. St. Francis Church was originally named as Santo Antonio and dedicated to him who was the patron Saint of Portugal. In the year 1510 the original Church comprising of wooden building was replaced by the present stone building in the year 1546. St. Francis Church was originally a Catholic Church but in the year 1663 when the Dutch captured Cochin this Church was taken over by them and was converted into a Protestant Church..Vasco Da Gama who was the first European to reach India died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried in the Church though after 14 years the remains of Vasco Da Gama was removed to Lisbon.

The St. Francis Church stands as great example of religious belief in the form of magnificent architecture. St. Francis Xavier lived 450 years ago in the taluka of Tiswadi and practised his mission. His remains are still kept in that very place of Tiswadi in Old Goa. Take the remote road behind St. Paul's college and reach St. Francis Xavier Church. The old church with laterite plastered walls and tiled roof has much more to offer you than mere visual beauty. Come to experience the sacred and divine faith which will surely touch you and transport you to a new world.

The St. Francis Church is situated at Parade Road which is only 2 km west of Mattancherry in Fort Cochin. The Church is open for all from morning to evening. The Sunday service starts at eight o' clock in the morning except the third Sunday of every month. While visiting St. Francis Church don't forget to see the miraculous well which is believed to bear holy water.