Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
4
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
About
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica was built by the Portuguese in Fort Cochin, one of the oldest Christian / Catholic Churches in India, which is owned and administered by the Diocese of Cochin, open to all, when no religious and liturgical services are in progress. Most welcome to all, who love history and Gothic Architectural attractions in the City of Cochin, Kerala.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
732 reviews
Excellent
271
Very good
337
Average
107
Poor
13
Terrible
4
CruisinSusan2014
Reading, UK166 contributions
Feb 2020
There are several cathedrals of Portuguese influence to visit in Cochin. This one is well maintained, warm and welcoming. Inside is light, and open spaced. Typical of Christian religions are the murals paintings statues alter and flowers. The overall ambience is calm and colourful with a nice spiritual vibe inside.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting our ancient Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese. The Church that you visited is the second Cathedral by the Portuguese, after the first one was used by the Dutch as depot for ammunitions and later destroyed by the British. The construction of the second Cathedral began in the year 1876 and completed in the year 1905, and was consecrated on the 19th of November 1905.
The paintings, including the way of the cross you saw in the ceiling, were done by a Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo, Italy during the period of 1903 - 1905. What you wrote is true. When you are inside the Basilica and sit quiet for some time, you could feel a presence of unearthly bliss.
There are two holy masses celebrated in English during the week, one on Wednesday evening at 6.00 and another on Sunday 5.30 evening.
We have the first beautiful Portuguese Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, enshrined in the chapel close to the Basilica. The day after Christmas we begin the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and ends on the 31st of December.
God bless you abundantly.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, Director, Santa Cecilia Recording Studios, Catholic Centre, Thoppumpady, Cochin 682 005, Kerala, INDIA.
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,844 contributions
Jan 2023
Completed in 1905 this Gothic style cathedral is located in the historic center of Kochi. It looks very much like any Roman Catholic church in Europe of the same time period (early 19th century). The tropical setting however makes it distinct. Special are the paintings and frescoes in the interior. Don't forget to look up.
A pity the original cathedral was demolished by the British. From the early 1500s only Saint Francis church is left.
A pity the original cathedral was demolished by the British. From the early 1500s only Saint Francis church is left.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alison_sheldon
Kovalam, India30 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Having been sent there by a friend who got married in this church, we were interested to see that a wedding was taking place as we were visiting. Having fallen into conversation with a wedding guest, we were invited to join in, and come along to the meal (which we declined). Lovely to see a church in the centre of Fort Kochin well attended and used by young families.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting our ancient Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese. The Church that you visited is the second Cathedral by the Portuguese, after the first one was used by the Dutch as depot for ammunitions and later destroyed by the British. The construction of the second Cathedral began in the year 1876 and completed in the year 1905, and was consecrated on the 19th of November 1905.
The paintings, including the way of the cross you saw in the ceiling, were done by a Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo, Italy during the period of 1903 - 1905. What you wrote is true. When you are inside the Basilica and sit quiet for some time, you could feel a presence of unearthly bliss.
There are two holy masses celebrated in English during the week, one on Wednesday evening at 6.00 and another on Sunday 5.30 evening.
We have the first beautiful Portuguese Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, enshrined in the chapel close to the Basilica. The day after Christmas we begin the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and ends on the 31st of December.
God bless you abundantly.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, Director, Santa Cecilia Recording Studios, Catholic Centre, Thoppumpady, Cochin 682 005, Kerala, INDIA.
Written January 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Akshaya S
Noida, India520 contributions
Jan 2023
The Basilica turned out to be much more than our expectations. It is well maintained, has impressive ceiling paintings, has gothic interiors and the highlight is a Last Supper painting. Must visit if you are interested in history and architecture across ages.
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sourav90p
Kolkata (Calcutta), India55 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Located in fort kochi. Great work. Must see for all. Infact all churches in kochi is worth visiting. Spend here 15 mins and sure you can find peace within yourself. Photography allowed. No entry fee.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting our ancient Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese. The Church that you visited is the second Cathedral by the Portuguese, after the first one was used by the Dutch as depot for ammunitions and later destroyed by the British. The construction of the second Cathedral began in the year 1876 and completed in the year 1905, and was consecrated on the 19th of November 1905.
The paintings, including the way of the cross you saw in the ceiling, were done by a Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo, Italy during the period of 1903 - 1905. What you wrote is true. When you are inside the Basilica and sit quiet for some time, you could feel a presence of unearthly bliss.
There are two holy masses celebrated in English during the week, one on Wednesday evening at 6.00 and another on Sunday 5.30 evening.
We have the first beautiful Portuguese Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, enshrined in the chapel close to the Basilica. The day after Christmas we begin the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and ends on the 31st of December.
God bless you abundantly.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, Director, Santa Cecilia Recording Studios, Catholic Centre, Thoppumpady, Cochin 682 005, Kerala, INDIA.
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kshitiz G
Thane, India11 contributions
Jan 2020
We were lucky to have been visited the place next day to new year eve. The place was well decorated and we had a great experience visiting the place. Building in itself is beautiful and well managed. A must visit place in Forte Kochi.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting our ancient Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese. The Church that you visited is the second Cathedral by the Portuguese, after the first one was used by the Dutch as depot for ammunitions and later destroyed by the British. The construction of the second Cathedral began in the year 1876 and completed in the year 1905, and was consecrated on the 19th of November 1905.
The paintings, including the way of the cross you saw in the ceiling, were done by a Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo, Italy during the period of 1903 - 1905. What you wrote is true. When you are inside the Basilica and sit quiet for some time, you could feel a presence of unearthly bliss.
There are two holy masses celebrated in English during the week, one on Wednesday evening at 6.00 and another on Sunday 5.30 evening.
We have the first beautiful Portuguese Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, enshrined in the chapel close to the Basilica. The day after Christmas we begin the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and ends on the 31st of December.
God bless you abundantly.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, Director, Santa Cecilia Recording Studios, Catholic Centre, Thoppumpady, Cochin 682 005, Kerala, INDIA.
Written January 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
1teaspoonlove®
Mumbai, India1,678 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
A very beautiful Cathedral with not only a huge beautiful structure but also very pretty interiors.
Love the high ceiling and the symmetry.
It was very peaceful and calm.
Another tourist attraction in fort Kochi.
I could spend hours here.
Love the natural light too.
Definitely must visit this cathedral.
Love the high ceiling and the symmetry.
It was very peaceful and calm.
Another tourist attraction in fort Kochi.
I could spend hours here.
Love the natural light too.
Definitely must visit this cathedral.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting our ancient Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese. The Church that you visited is the second Cathedral by the Portuguese, after the first one was used by the Dutch as depot for ammunitions and later destroyed by the British. The construction of the second Cathedral began in the year 1876 and completed in the year 1905, and was consecrated on the 19th of November 1905.
The paintings, including the way of the cross you saw in the ceiling, were done by a Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo, Italy during the period of 1903 - 1905. What you wrote is true. When you are inside the Basilica and sit quiet for some time, you could feel a presence of unearthly bliss.
There are two holy masses celebrated in English during the week, one on Wednesday evening at 6.00 and another on Sunday 5.30 evening.
We have the first beautiful Portuguese Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, enshrined in the chapel close to the Basilica. The day after Christmas we begin the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and ends on the 31st of December.
God bless you abundantly.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, Director, Santa Cecilia Recording Studios, Catholic Centre, Thoppumpady, Cochin 682 005, Kerala, INDIA.
Written January 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
deepak_misra
Bengaluru, India258 contributions
Mar 2020
I would have missed this if it were not for an auto driver I hired. (The fact that he conned me is a different story). He made this part of the tour.
Maginificent is what I would day. I am not repeating any thing about the history which can be read up on wikipedia but the church is just magnificent. I am just attaching photos which might speak better than words
Again - must see. Just 5-10 minute walk from St Francis church
Maginificent is what I would day. I am not repeating any thing about the history which can be read up on wikipedia but the church is just magnificent. I am just attaching photos which might speak better than words
Again - must see. Just 5-10 minute walk from St Francis church
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting our ancient Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese. The Church that you visited is the second Cathedral by the Portuguese, after the first one was used by the Dutch as depot for ammunitions and later destroyed by the British. The construction of the second Cathedral began in the year 1876 and completed in the year 1905, and was consecrated on the 19th of November 1905.
The paintings, including the way of the cross you saw in the ceiling, were done by a Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo, Italy during the period of 1903 - 1905. What you wrote is true. When you are inside the Basilica and sit quiet for some time, you could feel a presence of unearthly bliss.
There are two holy masses celebrated in English during the week, one on Wednesday evening at 6.00 and another on Sunday 5.30 evening.
We have the first beautiful Portuguese Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, enshrined in the chapel close to the Basilica. The day after Christmas we begin the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and ends on the 31st of December.
God bless you abundantly.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, Director, Santa Cecilia Recording Studios, Catholic Centre, Thoppumpady, Cochin 682 005, Kerala, INDIA.
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellemay 🍹🐠🐳
Sydney, Australia47,310 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Santa Cruz Cathedral is an impressive building with plenty of history built in 1558 by the Portuguese only to be demolished in 1795 by the British. Later, reconstructed by in 1887 and proclaimed a basilica in 1984.
Written November 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting our ancient Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese. The Church that you visited is the second Cathedral by the Portuguese, after the first one was used by the Dutch as depot for ammunitions and later destroyed by the British. The construction of the second Cathedral began in the year 1876 and completed in the year 1905, and was consecrated on the 19th of November 1905.
The paintings, including the way of the cross you saw in the ceiling, were done by a Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo, Italy during the period of 1903 - 1905. What you wrote is true. When you are inside the Basilica and sit quiet for some time, you could feel a presence of unearthly bliss.
There are two holy masses celebrated in English during the week, one on Wednesday evening at 6.00 and another on Sunday 5.30 evening.
God bless you abundantly.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, Director, Santa Cecilia Recording Studios, Catholic Centre, Thoppumpady, Cochin 682 005, Kerala, INDIA.
Written November 21, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joji J
Kochi (Cochin), India3,049 contributions
Dec 2019
The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica was first built as a church by the Portuguese in the beginning of 6th century and was raised to a cathedral which was demolished by the British in AD 1795. It was rebuilt in AD 1905 and was raised to the status of a Basilica in 1984. The Basilica is one of the eight basilica's in Kerala and the historical importance it's one of the most sought after basilica by tourists. I have visited the basilica several times and the interiors of the basilica are decorated with murals, large canvas paintings and the church has two lofty spires, gothic interiors, stained glass windows. main altar decorated by a famous Italian painter etc-the unique features are many. The serene atmosphere in the church is to be mentioned specially. The basilica is a must see attraction for anyone who visits Mattancherry or Fort Kochi.
Written December 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting our ancient Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese. The Church that you visited is the second Cathedral by the Portuguese, after the first one was used by the Dutch as depot for ammunitions and later destroyed by the British. The construction of the second Cathedral began in the year 1876 and completed in the year 1905, and was consecrated on the 19th of November 1905.
The paintings, including the way of the cross you saw in the ceiling, were done by a Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo, Italy during the period of 1903 - 1905. What you wrote is true. When you are inside the Basilica and sit quiet for some time, you could feel a presence of unearthly bliss.
There are two holy masses celebrated in English during the week, one on Wednesday evening at 6.00 and another on Sunday 5.30 evening.
We have the first beautiful Portuguese Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, enshrined in the chapel close to the Basilica. The day after Christmas we begin the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and ends on the 31st of December.
God bless you abundantly.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, Director, Santa Cecilia Recording Studios, Catholic Centre, Thoppumpady, Cochin 682 005, Kerala, INDIA.
Written December 27, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am writing in the hope of some suggestions to help me with my search. I have ancestors who lived and I am almost 100% sure were born in Fort Cochin. They were Portugese/Anglo-Indian.
The particular record I am after is from the year 1890. Hoping for ideas as to how I confirm if he was baptised at Santa Cruz Cathedral. If not Santa Cruz, what are the one or two churches most likely to have been frequented by Portugese Indians in 1890?
Living overseas myself, I am unable to get to Cochin and check on this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and Regards,
Giselle
Written September 22, 2022
What would be the mass timings for Christmas this year? Is there an English mid-night mass available to attend? Also, is there a a car parking facility?
Written November 23, 2017
Dear micky1234....,
The Christmas Midnight Mass, presided by the Bishop of Cochin begins at 11.45 pm on 24.12.2017. it is a combined mass both in English and in Malayalam with Latin singing. Id you come early enough to Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, you can park your car in the Basilica campus. May God bless you abundantly and most welcome to the Basilica, Fort Cochin.
Fr Francis MJ Fernandez, 25.11.2017.
Written November 24, 2017
I am Fr Francis MJ Fernandez and was the former Rector of the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica. I do still maintain the partially the website and the FaceBook of the Basilica, since no one is at present interested to maintain it properly. Now I am working in the Diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand. I do appreciate the history you are referring in the beautiful note you left in writing about the Basilica. It's painting were done by one Italian Painter, Fra (Jesuit) Antonio Moscheni, from Bergamo, Italy. Year before last I visited his birth place and his collection of paintings in the Churches and around the city of Bergamo. This is just for your information. Thank you very much for your interest in this one of the oldest Churches in India.
Written March 29, 2016
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