Fort Kochi is full of monuments that throb with history and have an unmistakable old-world charm, the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the eight basilicas in India, makes an indelible impression on visitors.
HISTORY
Santa Cruz Basilica was constructed by the first Portuguese Viceroy ‘Francesco de Almeida’ when he came to Kochi in the year 1505. On 3rd May of the same year, this church was founded and christened as Santa Cruz Cathedral. Later on, in the year 1663 when the Dutch captured Cochin and ruined all Catholic establishments except the famous St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral. But in the year 1795, it was ruined when British took over the city. Only a granite pillar of this monumental cathedral was left after the devastation of the Santa Cruz Cathedral and it is still kept on the southeastern corner of the cathedral. Then in the year 1887, when Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira was appointed as the hierarch of Cochin, he rebuilt this Santa Cruz Cathedral and it was blessed on November 19, 1902. His efforts were only realized during the rule of his successor Dom Mateus Oliveira Xavier. On 23rd August, 1984, it was stated a Basilica by Pope John Paul II.
ARCHITECTURE OF THE BASILICA
Santa Cruz Basilica is beautified with two lofty spires, greeting all even from a distance. Its exterior is white-washed and amazingly vivid while the interior is colored in pastel. The interior has antique architecture of medieval period that is overwhelming with its arches and an amazing altar. The seven huge canvas paintings with an attractive reproduction of the ‘Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci are real retreat to your eyes. Looking at the ceiling, it’s beautifully adorned with paintings showing the scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ. The stained glass windows and intricate wall carvings are other main attraction of the church that adds grandeur to its beauty.
