Santa Cruz Basilica.

The Santa Cruz Basilica is considered among one of the eight Basilicas in India. This Basilica is situated in Kochi. The Santa Cruz Basilica is located nearby the renowned St. Francis Church. The Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the magnificent Cathedrals in India that serves as the Cathedral church of the episcopate of Cochin. This sacred Basilica is the centre of historical purport that carries the colours of medieval style and artistic excellence. For this extraordinary architecture excellence, the Santa Cruz Basilica is very famous among Kochi tourist places.

History

The Santa Cruz Basilica is a mandatory spot among the places to visit in Kochi. Francesco de Almeida, who was the Portuguese Viceroy, made the Santa Cruz Basilica when he arrived in Kochi in 1505. Francesconamed this Basilica as Santa Cruz Cathedral, on 3rd May of 1505. In 1795, when the British captured the city, they destroyed the church. After the destruction of Santa Cruz Cathedral, only a granite pillar was left of this monumental cathedral, and still, the pillar is kept on the southeastern corner of the cathedral. Later in 1887, when Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira was engaged as the prelate of Cochin, the cathedral was reconstructed by him. After the reconstruction in 1887, the cathedral was blessed on 19th November of 1902. Pope John Paul II named it as Basilica on 23rd August of 1984.

The architecture of Santa Cruz Basilica-

For the excellence of architecture, the Santa Cruz Basilica is an attractive place in Kochi tourism. The Santa Cruz Basilica was beautified with two magnificent spires, accosting all even from a distance. The exterior of this Basilica is white washed, and it is amazingly brisk with the pastel colours that are used in the interior decorations. The internal architecture of the Santa Cruz Basilica is an antique that belonged from the medieval period. The architecture is overwhelming with its beautiful structured arches and a magnificent altar.

In the Santa Cruz Basilica, you will discover seen huge canvas paintings along with an alternative regeneration of the Last Supper, the great work o Leonardo Da Vinci. The ceiling f this Basilica is also decorated with beautiful paintings that will make you amaze. The ceiling paintings show the scenes from the Vis Crucis of Christ. To experience this fantastic architecture of the medieval era must include Santa Cruz Basilica in your Kochi tour package.