St. Francis Church

It was built in 1503, making it the oldest European church in India. It was later restored in 1779 as indicated by an inscription on its facade. Although it was built by the Franciscans it now follows the Protestant rite, and despite being a church you have to enter barefoot. Vasco de Gama, the Portuguese explorer who died in Cochin in 1524 during his third visit to India, was buried inside this church, but his remains were moved 14 years later to Lisbon. Inside the church the fabrics grab your attention and there is a network of ropes that move from outside the church to provide air during the church services.