During the first Portuguese Viceroy's visit to Kochi in 1505, Francesco de Almeida built the Santa Cruz Basílica. This cathedral was built and named Santa Cruz Cathedral on May 3rd of the same year. The feast day of the 'Invention of the Holy Cross' was celebrated on this day, and the basilica was given the name Santa Cruz after it was completed. In addition, certain heinous incidents occurred in Kochi in the year 1663.

Except for the historic St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Dutch seized Kochi and destroyed all Catholic establishments. Unfortunately, when the British took control of Kochi in 1795, it was demolished. After the devastation of the Santa Cruz Church, only a granite pillar remained, which is retained in the southeastern corner of the cathedral to this day.

The basilica's architecture is a lovely combination of Indo-European and Gothic styles. This cathedral's pulpit and oak paneling are both magnificently constructed. The pulpit and hardwood panels are exquisitely constructed. Inside this Cathedral, visitors will notice the presence of some excellent Italian paintings.

The wonderful usage of pastel colors is the most appealing part of this Cathedral. Furthermore, the interiors and ceiling of the Santa Cruz Basilica are adorned with paintings from the time of the church's initial erection by Brother Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian painter from Bergamo (Italy).

The Last Supper and 'The Passion and Death on the Cross' are the themes of these stunning paintings. The ceilings are artistically decorated with paintings and murals depicting Christ's life, and the stained glass windows add to the grandeur. This magnificent structure also features two tall spires that welcome visitors from afar. The Cathedral has numerous impressive arches and a magnificent altar.

• You can conduct the mass there. 
• You can go around and explore the Cathedral. 
• People can also take photos inside the church. 
• There is also a confession room available inside the church.

• Do not take any food items inside the church. 
• Always try to maintain silence inside the cathedral. 
• Do not litter around the church. 
• Photography is allowed inside the church.

Tourists can visit from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and then from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. From October to March is the finest time to visit the Santa Cruz Basilica. It is one of Kochi's most well-known attractions and a must-see.

• St. Francis CSI Church 
• Mattancherry Palace 
• Paradesi Synagogue 
• Fort Kochi Beach 
• Indo-portuguese Museum

This church is close to the renowned St. Francis Church, which serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, India's second oldest Diocese. The entrance of Portuguese missionaries in 1500 CE marks the beginning of the history of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, which dates back to the sixteenth century.