Experts' Choice Award Church of Saint Francis
What the experts agree on
India's oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscans in the early 1500s. The original wooden structure was replaced with stone in 1546, creating this historically significant landmark that marks the beginning of European religious
“Constructed in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is believed to be India’s oldest European-built church.”
– Lonely Planet
Fodor's "This stately church is the first European house of worship in India." Full review
Frommer's "India's earliest European church was originally constructed in wood, but this was replaced by a stone structure in 1546." Full review
Independent "Founded by Franciscan monks in about 1505, the Church of St Francis is India's oldest European church. Inside, you can see the first tombstone of Vasco da Gama, who died in Cochin in 1524..."
