Santa Cruz Basilica in kochi, Kerala

Santa Cruz Basilica

Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi, Kerala

The Santa Cruz Basilica is a cathedral in Kochi of Kerala and is one of the heritage destinations in the state. This church is visited by tourists from all over the world due to its impressive structure and positive vibration. The church displays a gothic style beautified with artistic magnificence and eye-catching architecture. Lots of devotees and tourists are seen every day visiting there. It occupies a great historical significance. It has been built in the year 1558 and later on was sanctified by Pope John Paul II in the year 1984.

The church is situated in Fort Kochi at K.B Jacob Road. It is a Roman Catholic Church and is regarded as the capital church of the Cochin diocese. There are total 8 basilicas in India and Santa Cruz is one of them making it a notable tourist destination in all around the world. Visiting hours start from 9 in the morning till 1 at noon and then again from 3 to 5 in the afternoon. You need to maintain proper discipline and silence inside the Basilica a religious place. There are wonderful hotels to stay in Kochi for national and international tourists. Hotel Malabar House, Hotel Holiday Inn, Courtyard Marriott, Hotel Trident and many more luxurious as well as standard hotels are available in Cochin.

Legend behind

The Portuguese fleet is responsible for the development of Christian missionaries in Kerala. The king of Cochin welcomed them with great vigor. Eventually, in the year 1503, the Portuguese helped the king to win against his enemy. Since then, it was decided to construct a fort in Kochi. Basically, the first stone for the church was laid in the year 1505 by taking permission from the king. As there was no grant to build such a fort in the society of Cochin and as it was only place for temples, they took permission from the king for building the basilica. As they helped him, he could not refuse. Gradually the holy cross named Santa Cruz was invented and was placed in the basilica near Children’s Park in Cochin.

Interior of Santa Cruz Basilica

In the month of August 1984, the church was modified into Basilica. The interior is very impressive with lofty spires colored in pastel. The exterior is white-washed with intensive looks. Gothic and Indo-European style of decoration is displayed in murals and paintings. The seven beautiful paintings on canvas are large enough in size and is a large attraction for visitors. The ceiling above is also depicted with huge images signifying the Christian society and its establishment in India. The images have been painted by Italian painters. Decorated arches and alter ads up to the beauty. The images have been painted to showcase the theme of ‘East Supper’ and ‘passion and death’ on the cross. The pulpit and wooden panels are other major attractions displaying incredible beauty.

Reaching there

The closest railway hub is Enarkulam located at a distance of 12 km from the basilica and the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 45 km is Kochi International Airport. Private as well as public transport system is available from Ernakulam to the church. You can also access boats to reach Fort Basilica of Kochi. KSRTC is a well-connected travel transport that helps tourists by connecting Kochi to other cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Volvo buses are there from the nearby major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. October to March is the best time to visit there.

You must include this grand Santa Cruz Basilica in your tour list while you are planning to visit Kochi. Its unmatched beauty mingles with historical significance is truly something that you must get into to enjoy the great work of artisans. The church holds a special place in the southern part of India as it signifies the rise of Christianity in spiritual and incredible India. Being the most ancient church in the country, say 500 years, the residents of Cochin celebrated grand religious programs and exchanged love and sympathy with each other on 500th anniversary of the Basilica. Although it suffered many bruises on its survival journey till 20th century, but its charm and splendor never faded.

Santa Cruz Basilica History

The Santa Cruz Basilica is a historic Roman Catholic church located in the city of Fort Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the eight Basilicas in India and is one of the oldest European churches in the country.

The history of the Santa Cruz Basilica dates back to the 16th century when the Portuguese arrived in India and established a settlement in Fort Kochi. The church was originally built in 1505 by the Portuguese as a chapel and was dedicated to the Holy Cross. In 1558, the chapel was elevated to the status of a church by Pope Paul IV.

Over the years, the church underwent several renovations and was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. In 1795, the church was destroyed by the British during their occupation of Fort Kochi, and was later rebuilt in 1905 by the Portuguese. In 1984, the church was once again renovated and elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II.

Today, the Santa Cruz Basilica is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. It is renowned for its architecture, intricate carvings, and paintings, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Portuguese-era religious architecture in India.

In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the Santa Cruz Basilica is also significant for its role in the history of Christianity in India. It is believed that the church played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the region, and has been a center of religious and cultural activities for over five centuries.

Things to do

Visit the Santa Cruz Basilica:

The basilica is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and religion. The church is renowned for its intricate carvings, beautiful paintings, and Gothic-style architecture, making it one of the finest examples of Portuguese-era religious architecture in India.

Explore Fort Kochi:

The Santa Cruz Basilica is located in the historic neighborhood of Fort Kochi, which is home to many other significant historical landmarks and cultural institutions. Visitors can take a walk through the streets of Fort Kochi to explore the colonial-era architecture, street art, and local markets.

Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets:

The Chinese Fishing Nets are a unique feature of Fort Kochi and one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. These large nets, which were introduced by the Chinese in the 14th century, can be seen in action along the shores of Fort Kochi and are a fascinating sight to behold.

Explore the Dutch Cemetery:

The Dutch Cemetery is a historic cemetery located near the Santa Cruz Basilica. The cemetery is the final resting place of many Dutch and Portuguese settlers, and is an interesting place to learn about the history of colonial-era India.

Visit the St. Francis Church:

St. Francis Church is another historic church located in Fort Kochi, which was built in 1503 and is considered to be the first European church in India. Visitors can explore the church, which has been well-preserved and still contains many of its original features.

Facts

  1. The Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the eight basilicas in India and one of the oldest European churches in the country.
  2. The church was originally built in 1505 by the Portuguese as a chapel and was dedicated to the Holy Cross.
  3. The church underwent several renovations over the years, and was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, including by the British in 1795 and the Portuguese in 1905.
  4. The church was elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
  5. The Santa Cruz Basilica is renowned for its Gothic-style architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful paintings.
  6. The church played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the region and has been a center of religious and cultural activities for over five centuries.
  7. The Santa Cruz Basilica is located in the historic neighborhood of Fort Kochi, which is home to many other significant historical landmarks and cultural institutions.
  8. The church is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world to admire its architectural and historical significance.
  9. The basilica is open to the public for mass and other religious events, as well as for visitors who wish to explore its interior and learn about its history.
  10. The Santa Cruz Basilica is an important part of the cultural heritage of India, and a testament to the lasting impact of Portuguese colonization on the country’s history and architecture.

FAQ

Q: When was the Santa Cruz Basilica built?

A: The Santa Cruz Basilica was originally built in 1505 by the Portuguese as a chapel and was dedicated to the Holy Cross.

Q: Who elevated the status of the church to a basilica?

A: The church was elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Q: What is the significance of the Santa Cruz Basilica?

A: The Santa Cruz Basilica is significant for its role in the history of Christianity in India, as well as for its architectural and cultural significance. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Portuguese-era religious architecture in India, and is renowned for its Gothic-style architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful paintings.

Q: How many times was the Santa Cruz Basilica destroyed and rebuilt?

A: The Santa Cruz Basilica was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, including by the British in 1795 and the Portuguese in 1905.

Q: Where is the Santa Cruz Basilica located?

A: The Santa Cruz Basilica is located in the city of Fort Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala.

Q: Is the Santa Cruz Basilica open to the public?

A: Yes, the Santa Cruz Basilica is open to the public for mass and other religious events, as well as for visitors who wish to explore its interior and learn about its history.

Q: What is the address of the Santa Cruz Basilica?

A: The address of the Santa Cruz Basilica is Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India.

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