Few places in India layer as many histories into as small a space as Kochi. Within a short walk you can trace Portuguese, Dutch, British, Jewish and Konkani stories — a legacy of the spice trade that made this one of the world’s great trading ports.
The colonial churches
St Francis Church, built by the Portuguese in 1503, is regarded as the oldest European church in India; Vasco da Gama was buried here before his remains were moved to Lisbon. Nearby, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one of the finest churches in Kerala, with an ornately painted interior.
Palace, synagogue and spice trade
In Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace holds some of Kerala’s finest temple-style murals, while the Paradesi Synagogue of 1568 — the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth — anchors the old Jewish quarter of Jew Town, with its antique shops and spice warehouses.
Art and the Biennale
The trading warehouses have found a second life in art. Aspinwall House, a large 19th-century waterfront compound, is the principal venue of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, and the Indo-Portuguese Museum preserves the region’s Catholic heritage. To turn this into a day on foot, use Fort Kochi in a day.
Frequently asked questions
Why is St Francis Church historically important?
Built by the Portuguese in 1503, it is generally considered the oldest European-built church in India. The explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here before his remains were later moved to Lisbon; his gravestone site is still marked inside.
Is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale on all year?
No — the Biennale is a periodic contemporary-art festival held across Fort Kochi venues like Aspinwall House, not a year-round exhibition. Outside festival editions the venues have varying access, so check what’s open before planning a visit around it.
Can I still see a synagogue and Jewish quarter in Kochi?
Yes. The Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town, Mattancherry, remains and is open to visitors (closed Fridays and Saturdays). The surrounding Jew Town lanes, now largely antique and spice shops, preserve the character of the old quarter.