St. Francis Church

St. Francis Church, located in Kochi, India, stands as the country’s oldest church, constructed in 1516 by Portuguese settlers to replace a wooden predecessor from 1503. The church’s historical significance is further marked by its connection to Vasco da Gama, the renowned Portuguese explorer, who was initially buried here. Although his remains were later transferred to Lisbon, his gravestone remains in place, offering visitors a tangible link to the past. Today, the church continues to attract those interested in exploring the rich colonial history of the region.