Santa Cruz Basilica

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Built by the Portuguese in 1505, the church was elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Spared by the Dutch conquerors of Cochin who destroyed many Catholic buildings in 1663, it later fell into the hands of the British who demolished it when they took over Cochin…
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St Francis Church

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Considered the oldest church, St. Francis was originally Roman Church during the Portuguese period from 1503 to 1663 Dutch Reform from 1664 to 1804, and Anglican from 1804 to 1947. Today it is governed by the Church of South India. The building was originally constructed out of timber and later…
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Dutch Cemetery

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The cemetery, built in the style of the Dutch architecture of the time, is surrounded by walls and the year 1724 is engraved on the entrance pillar. The epitaphs and tombs, numbering 104, carry the authentic records of hundreds of people of Dutch and British nationality. Many of the tombs…
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Synagogue

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The synagogue at FortKochi, constructed in 1568, is the oldest in the Commonwealth.Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662,  it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Mid-18th century hand-painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower,  Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs,…
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Fort Kochi

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To explore the historic town of Fort Kochi, there is no better choice than setting out on foot. Relax, breathe deep and come out in cotton, soft shoes and yes - a straw hat. At each and every nook of this island steeped in history, there is something amusing awaiting…
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Bastion Bungalow

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Located on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old Dutch fort, the bungalow fuses beautifully into the circular structure of the bastion. Planned way back in 1667, it is Indo-European in style, sporting a tiled roof and a typical first floor verandah in wood running along its front.…
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