Explore the stunning synthesis of Indo-European and Gothic architecture at Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Cochin, Kerala

Explore Santa Cruz Church @Kerala

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, which is located in Fort Kochi, is one of India’s eight basilicas. The church, which was built by the Portuguese as their second cathedral, is notable for its Gothic architecture and Portuguese interiors. On K.B. Jacob Road in Fort Kochi, this majestic Roman Catholic church serves as the cathedral for the diocese of Kochi. It’s one of the most visited top tourist destination of Kerala.

The columns are adorned with frescoes, there are seven gigantic canvas paintings and magnificent stained-glass windows. On the ceiling are some magnificently painted representations of Christ’s Via Crucis. This Cathedral holds special significance for the Christians living in Kochi because it recalls the beginning of Christianity in India.

Santa Cruz Basilica’s History

When Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy, arrived in Kochi in 1505, he built the Santa Cruz Basilica. This church was established on May 3 of the same year and given the name Santa Cruz Cathedral. Later, in 1663, when the Dutch took Cochin, all Catholic buildings were destroyed except the well-known St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral. However, it was destroyed in 1795 when the British took control of the city. After the destruction of the Santa Cruz Cathedral, just one granite pillar of this enormous cathedral remained, and it is still kept in the church’s southeast corner.

The Santa Cruz Basilica’s design

The basilica’s architecture is a stunning synthesis of Indo-European and Gothic design. This cathedral’s woodwork paneling and pulpit construction are both impressive. The pulpit and woodwork panels are exquisitely made. Inside this cathedral, tourists can see some wonderful works of art that are of Italian origin.

The wonderful usage of pastel colors is what makes this Cathedral the most seductive. Additionally, the Santa Cruz Basilica’s interior and ceiling are decorated with paintings from the original foundation of the church that was created by Brother Jesuit Fra, an Italian painter from Bergamo (Italy).

‘The Passion and Death on the Cross’ and ‘The Last Supper’ are the themes of these breathtaking paintings. The frescoes and murals depicting scenes from Christ’s life wonderfully adorn the ceilings, and the stained glass windows emphasize the beauty even more.

Your can further explore more local sightseeing places nearby

• 571 meters away, Chinese fishing nets
• 2.21 kilometers away, Jew Town
• 2.15 kilometers away, Jewish Synagogue
• 7.26 kilometers away, at Kerala Folklore Museum
• 2.13 kilometers away is Mattancherry Palace

Facts worth knowing about Santa Cruz Basilica

• The church, which is more than 500 years old, had a turbulent existence before the Portuguese came to the area in 1500. It was a gift from the then-king of Cochin in appreciation for his assistance in overthrowing the Zamorins of Calicut.
• An arsenal was housed in Santa Cruz Cathedral. However, after the British took control of the city in 1795, it was eventually disbanded.
• The Santa Cruz church was destroyed, yet this enormous church still features an exquisite granite pillar. The column is still situated in the modern basilica’s southeast corner.

How to Reach

From Ernakulam, you can travel to Fort Kochi by bus, taxi, or boat. The Cathedral is about 12 kilometers from the closest railway station, Ernakulam. You may also find restaurants nearby to try out some of the best local food.The Kochi International Airport, which is around 45 kilometers from the Cathedral, is the closest.

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