Featuring in one of the eight Basilicas in India, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi, in Kochi, Kerala, is a renowned heritage edifice in the state. A center of rich historical significance, this impressive church is visited by a big number of tourists and devotees alike from all corners of the world. The architectural and artistic grandeur makes it rank among the finest churches in the country.

The Santa Cruz Basilica is rich in colors and hues of the gothic style and it vibrates with old-world charm. This 15th century church – which was originally built the Portuguese – had to face many attacks, at the hands of the Dutch and British conquerors. Once the original building was destroyed, a new building was commission by in 1887 and later, it was declared a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Draping around it a rich and eventful past going as far back as 500 years, the Santa Cruz Basilica stands out for its stunning Indo-European and Gothic architecture. The opulence in the use of colors, two bright imposing spires and an irresistible pastel-colored interior with paintings, all give it a distinct look and feel. The church is full of frescos and murals which add to the charm further.