Is a visit to Ernakulam in your travel plans? Ernakulam is the cosmopolitan face of Kerala, God’s Own Country and is home to a fascinating blend of culture and religion. Christianity was introduced in India by St. Thomas in 52 AD and through the years have strongly contributed to Social Changes in Kerala. A visit to Ernakulam is never complete without delving into its traditions, culture and colorful festivals, and historical churches. Here you go! Arrange all the small details of your trip itinerary using our itinerary planner. 1. Santa Cruz Basilica Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the hoariest churches in Kochi and is also one of the eight Basilicas in the country. This was built by the first Portuguese viceroy, Francesco de Almeida in 1505. The construction of this church had begun on 3 May, 1505 during the feast of the ‘Invention of the Holy Cross’. After the completion of construction, this church was christened by the name Santa Cruz Cathedral. During 1663 when the Dutch conquered he city this church was ruined along with the rest of churches in Kochi. This was used as an armoury. After the destruction only an elaborate granite pillar remained as part of the old church, which we can still see on the south-eastern corner of the present Basilica. This cathedral was rebuilt in 1887 by Bishop Dom Joao Gomes Ferreira. The renovation of this cathedral was completed during the reign of Dom Mateus Oliveira Xavier. Sanctification of this cathedral was done by Dom Sebastiao Jose Pereira, on November 19, 1905. Owed to the historical importance, Pope John Paul II designated this cathedral to as a Basilica, on 19th December 1984. Architecture of this basilica is a unification of the Indo-European and gothic style. The interiors of this basilica are ornamented with
Is a visit to Ernakulam in your travel plans? Ernakulam is the cosmopolitan face of Kerala, God’s Own Country and is home to a fascinating blend of culture and religion. Christianity was introduced in India by St. Thomas in 52 AD and through the years have strongly contributed to Social Changes in Kerala. A visit
