St. Francis Xavier's Church has a long history dating back to 1503. It was originally constructed by Portuguese traders who arrived with Admiral Pedro Alvarez de Cabral over the same route as the famed Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who landed in Calicut in 1498. Previously, there was a modest wooden structure dedicated to St. Bartholomew in the church. The Portuguese Viceroy 'Dom Francisco Almedia' was granted permission by the Raja of Kochi in the year 1506 to renovate the structure in stone. Then, in 1516, a new church dedicated to St. Antony was built, and ownership of the St. Francis Church was passed to the Dutch, who invaded Kochi in 1663.

The building was then used as a government church until 1795. When the British conquered Kochi from the Dutch, it came under their hands. The church was thereafter designated as a protected monument under the Protected Monuments Act of 1904 in 1923.

The imposing building, which has a gabled timber-framed roof covered with tiles, contributes to the church's beauty. On either side of the frontage, a tiered summit has been erected, which is quite beautiful, and the historic charm has been preserved. The interior of the church is distinctive, with two stepped summits atop the channel ceiling and a plain arched doorway separating the chancel from the nave. A cenotaph, which stands in the center of the grass area and was created in the year 1920, is also here, dedicated to Kochiites who gave their lives in World War 1.

• 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.

• Taking any food items inside the church is strictly prohibited. 
• Inside the cathedral, strive to maintain stillness at all times.
• Please do not litter in the vicinity of the church.
• Inside the church, photography is permitted.

The most preferred time to visit Cochin is in the winter when the temperature is mild. The weather changes between 17 and 33 degrees Celsius. Beachgoers, adventure seekers, and honeymoon goers will love this time of year.

• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica 
• Mattancherry Palace 
• Paradesi Synagogue 
• Fort Kochi Beach 
• Indo Portuguese Museum

Vasco da Gama, the first Portuguese navigator to reach the coasts of Kerala, died in Kochi in 1524 during his third voyage. He was laid in this church to rest in peace. His body was returned to Portugal after 14 years. His grave is prominently marked inside the church and has drawn people ever since.