7 Ethereal & Magnificent Churches In Kochi Where You Can Seek Blessings

Most people appreciate Kochi for its beautiful coastlines and scenic beaches, but the European influence on Kochi’s architecture cannot be missed. The Dutch and Portuguese colonial rule heavily influenced the architecture of Kochi that can still be seen in various ancient monuments, buildings, and churches. And if y’all enjoy a tranquil day surrounded by peace and beauty then these churches should be on your itineraries. Check ‘em out!

1. St. Francis CSI Church

Picture Credits: whole.lotta.travel/

Originally built in 1503, this church is one of the oldest European church in India. The church is most popular for being the burial spot of the famous explorer Vasco De Gama and attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. The Indo-European architecture adds the old world charm with the lofty wooden roofs and stone flooring. Pop by to witness this ancient beauty.

Where | St. Francis CSI Church - Head Post Office, Saint Francis Church Road Opp. Fort Kochi

2. St. George’s Forane Syro Malabar Church

Picture Credits: photomakry

This Catholic pilgrimage church is commonly known as Edappally Church and is touted to be Asia’s largest shrine to Saint George, and is visited by about five million people every year. The church celebrates a nine-day festival called the Feast of St. George with a lot of zest, annually. So drop by this historic church on your next visit.

Where | St. George’s Forane Syro Malabar Church - Palarivattom-Edappally Road, Ponekkara, Edappally

3. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica 

Picture Credits: meinbhiphotographer

Located in the well known Fort Kochi, this heritage building is one of the nine Basilicas in Kerala. Its history dates back to the 16th century. The white-washed exteriors and the pastel interiors make the church serene to look at. With its awe-inspiring gothic architecture and artistic grandeur, it attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. Come marvel at this old beauty.

Where | Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica - Bastian Street, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi

4. St. Francis Assissi Syro Malabar Church

Picture Credits: Rinse Kurian

The Assisi Church was consecrated in 1967 and has been serving as a major centre for the local Christians who have settled in Kerala. The Church observes daily mass and the preachers offer their prayers and live as a tight community. The beautiful white-washed exteriors of the Church are striking and one must visit this place to admire the community living.

Where | St. Francis Assissi Syro Malabar Church - Infopark Road, Echamuku Kakkanad

5. Vallarpadam Basilica

Picture Credits: _iam_jk_

National Shrine of Our Lady of Ransom or Vallarpadam Basilica as it is commonly known is an ancient and very famous pilgrimage centre. The church was built by Portuguese Missionaries in 1524. The church has a very interesting miracle story attached to it which claims that a lady and his son were rescued from drowning as she prayed to Holy Mary to save them and in return, they would devote their lives to her service. This one is a must-visit!

Where | Vallarpadam Basilica - Vallarpadam Church Road, Vallarpadam, Ernakulam

6. Our Lady Of Hope Church

Picture Credits: soul.travel.life/

This Roman Catholic Church is located on the Vypin island and is known to be almost 400 years old. It was initially built by the Portuguese and later destroyed by the Dutch and rebuilt by them. The beautiful white edifice with pale brown doors adds the old world charm to the scenic landscape of Vypin.

Where | Our Lady Of Hope Church - Vypin Fort Road, Vypin

7. Holy Face Pilgrim Centre Church

Picture Credits: Jose jesudas

This 150-year-old shrine is said to have a miraculous story behind it as well. It is said that in September 1998 a couple witnessed a holy vision of Jesus’ face in the abdomen of the shrine of Messiah and then thousands of people gathered to witness this miracle. Then five days later the image disappeared and returned half an hour later, this mysterious miracle has garnered a lot of faith from the church-goers and locals believe that a faithful visit here can cure all their worries away. 

Where | Holy Face Pilgrim Centre Church - K.J. Herschel Road, Veli

Scamper over to these beautiful churches and admire the beauty of these historic places.