Kochi epitomizes a blend of traditional history with a touch of modernization. On the Malabar Coast, this port city basks in the glory of impressive churches. A visit to these famous churches in Kochi is a must for those who are fascinated by history as well as architecture. The delightful sight of these churches will remain in your mind forever. So, while exploring the city of Kochi during your Kerala trip, don’t forget to visit these awe-striking sites.
Top 12 Churches In Kochi
Have a look at these churches located in the city of Kochi. Each of them is known for its historicity and is admired for their spiritual vibes.
1. Santa Cruz Basilica
Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches located in Fort Kochi. This church was constructed in 1500 CE during the time of Portuguese. It is famous for spectacular historical paintings, Indo-European and Gothic architecture, murals and frescoes.
For several times tit had been revamped and in 1905 the structure was sanctified. This ancient church should be enlisted in your itinerary if you want a trip to Kochi.
Address: Bastian St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala – 682001
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed days: Open on all days
Must Read: 8 Breathtaking Weekend Getaways From Kochi That Exhibits A Thousand Shades Of Green!
2. St. George’s ForaneSyro Malabar Church
In 1905 this church was set up by Gregorios of Parumala in Ernakulam district of kerala. One of the popular names in kochi possessing sacred remnants of ManjanikkaraBava. The divine Girdle of Mother Mary along with Thronose- the main altar,several chapels and shrines like Pulicamaly, Pangarappilly belongs to this church.
Adjacent to the church there built the large well containing water which is considered to have healing powers. This popular place of worship attracts pilgrimage not only Christians but others as well from around the world. This oldest historic shrine is regarded as the largest church in Asia. Do visit this church if you are in Kochi.
Address: Palarivattom – Edappally Road, Ponekkara Road, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala – 682024
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed days: Open on all days
Suggested Read: 10 Ideal Road Trips From Kochi To Drive Through Amazing Landscapes Of Nature!
3. St. Francis Church
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Kochi is the St. Francis Church since 1503. The church is decorated with timber- framed roof covered with tiles, frescos and stained glasses, a white facade making it a most significant church in kochi.
A cenotaph standing in the middle of the lawn constructed for the loving memories of the keralan who laid down their lives for their country during First World War. To cherish this beautiful Church visit this place.
Address: Head Post Office, Saint Francis Church Road, Opp Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala – 682001
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10am – 5pm, Sundays- 12pm – 5 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
Suggested Read: 18 Hill Stations Near Kochi For An Escape To Nature’s Lap
4. Vallarpadam Church
The Vallarpadam Church is a magnificent edifice white in colour located in Kochi. This building is dedicated to the Mother Mary, who is referred to as VallarpadathAmma. It is believed by the legends that Vallarpadath Amma has saved the devotees several times from the storms rising fiercely in the sea.
The shrine is also called the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady Ransom and the Church of Our Lady Ransom. Thousands of pilgrims take part in the Annual Feast of VallarpadamAmma celebrated every year in September.
Address: National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Kochi, Kerala – 682504
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 6:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sundays- 5:45 am- 5:30 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
Suggested Read: 5 Waterfalls In Kochi That Reflect ‘Go With The Flow’ In The Best Way
5. St. Francis Church
St. Francis church of Kochi was constructed on the site where Vasco Da Gama, late explorer was buried and founded by the Portuguese. This is the oldest European Church built in 1503. Initially the church was constructed with a simple wooden structure, dedicated to St. Bartholomew.
Later on the command of the Raja the Portuguese Viceroy, Dom Francisco Almedia reconstructed the church with stone. In 1663 the Dutch administered the church and passed it to the British. In 1923 the church was declared as the protected monument under the Protected Monument Act of 1904.
Address: Infopark Road, Eechamukku Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala – 682030
Opening Hours: 8 am – 9 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
6. NadamelMarth Mariam Church
NadamelMarth Mariam church is a notable tourist attraction patronised by Cochin Royal Family and is located at the outskirt area near Kochi.It is the most significant name enlisted in the Jacobite churches in Kochi. Whenever there was a new successor he would make an offering known as Sharkarathattuveypu and meet all the leaders and bishops at the church.
Address: Nadama, Thrippunithura, Kochi, Kerala – 682301
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday- 6 am – 6 pm, Sundays- 5:45 am – 7:30 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
Suggested Read: 26 Enchanting Places To Visit Near Kochi To Cover Every Nook Of God’s Own Country!
7. St, Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Church
St Mary Cathedral was built under the direction of Mar Louis Pazheparambil in the early 20th century. ‘Our Lady of Ports’ is dedicated to this cathedral in 1112AD. In 1974 on 20th march the cathedral was elevated by Pope Paul VI to the status of a Basilica. The church is the prominent pilgrim centre as it serves as the head-quarter of Major Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
Address: Church Street High Court Junction, Broadway, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala, 682031
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 6:30 am – 6 pm, Sundays – 5:45 am – 5 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
8. Malayattoor Church
The Malayattoor Church is popularly known as St.ThomasSyro-Malabar Catholic Church is located in the north-eastern part of Kochi. It is considered as the well-known religious place in the city. The St. Thomas, apostle of Jesus Christ established the church. He is the one who brought Christianity in Kochi.
The Shrine stands on the top of the picturesque hill and attracts tourists from all over the world. This church is among the eight international shrines in the world which has been entitled by the Vatican.
Address: Kalady Malayattoor Road, Malayattoor, Ernakulam, Kerala – 683587
Opening Hours: 5:30 am – 9 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
Suggested Read: Kochi Honeymoon: Top Places To Visit And Enjoy A Romantic Time With Your Partner!
9. Kadamattom Church, kochi
The ancient Kadamattom church is located in Kadamattom eastern most suburb of Kochi. This Christian Shrine is popularly known as MalankaraJacobite Orthodox Syrian Church originated in the 9th century.
The church represents Persian and Indian styles of architecture which creates a pleasant sight to the tourists. The main attraction is the ancient Persian cross made of stone that displays four equal length arms. According to Mar Sabor, each arm is designed with floral patterns.
Address: Kadamattom, P.O Kolenchery, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala – 682311
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 7:30 am – 5 pm, Sundays – 6:30 am – 5 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
10. Varapuzha Church
Varapuzha Church is located in Varapuzha, north suburb of Kochi. This Parish Church is popularly known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St. Joseph’s Monastery. This church is believed to be one of the most ancient Roman Catholic Churches in India. In the year 1673 the church was set up.
The Mother of Mount Carmel and St. Joseph is dedicated to this church. Annually in the month of July-August Assumption of Our Lady is celebrated by the church as sixteen day confraternity festival. The church is popular as pilgrimage centre among the Anglo-Indian Communities. It is considered as the Mother church among all the others.
Address: Landing P.O Varapuzha, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala – 683517
Opening Hours: 6 am – 5 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
Suggested Read: 32 Things To Do In Kochi On A Holiday In This Kerala Port City
11. St. Louis Church
St. Louis Church popularly known as Santhiago Church is situated in Mundamveli, kochi. It is located 9km from the Ernakulam railway junction and 42km from kochi International Airport. It is one of the most popular ancient churches in Kochi. After Edakochi and Mattancherry it is the 3rd Parish in kochi.
Address: Mundamveli Road, Mundamveli Junction, Mundamveli, Kochi, Kerala- 682507
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed days: Open on all days.
12. Holy Cross Church
Holy Cross Church also known as Coonan KurisuPalli (church) is believed to have historical importance by the believers. The shrine stands in the busiest street of Mattancherry, Kochi between the shops.
The disciple of Jesus, St Thomas brought the Christianity in A.D 52 in Kerala and established seven churches. The origin of the Christian was known as Syrian Christian in early days. They were also called Nazranis(followers of Jesus).
Address: Jeevamatha Church, Main Road, Marta cherry, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala – 682002
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 6 am – 10 pm, Sundays – 9 am – 5 pm
Closed days: Open on all days
Further Read: 14 Hotels Near Kochi For Those Seeking Accommodation Places In the City’s Periphery
Keep this list of churches in Kochi handy when planning your Kerala trip. Each church beautifully reflects the local culture of the state and is full of soothing vibes. Don’t forget to add some of the best ones to your itinerary for an unforgettable travel experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Churches In Kochi
Which one is the biggest church in Kochi?
St. George’s Syro Malabar Forane Church is the biggest church in Kochi which is locally known as Edappally Church. Every year 5 million pilgrims visited this Catholic Church in Edapally.
What attractions are near Vallarpadam Church?
Aspinwall House, Ethnic Voyages and Mahatma Gandhi Beach are the attractions near Vallarpadam Church.
When is Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica open?
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is open on Sunday to Sunday (from10.30am- 1.00pm) and Monday to Saturday (9.00 am- 5.00 pm)
What hotels are near Church of Saint Francis?
The hotels near the Church Saint Francis are Forte Kochi, Dutch Bungalow-The Heritage Hotel, Walton’s Home Stay and Madeleine Inn.
What is Forane Church?
Vicars Forane Roman Catholic Church. A priest who takes bishop’s appointment exercises jurisdiction over the clergy in the district of diocese.
What restaurants are near St. Mary Cathedral Basilica Ernakulam?
The restaurants that are located near St. Mary Cathedral Basilica Ernakulum are Thai Soul, Punjab House Restaurant, Colony Clubhouse &Grill, Malabar Café and PaiDosa.
What is the Holy mass time of Malayattoor Church?
The Holy mass time of Malayattoor Church are the following;
1. Holy Mass is scheduled on all days at 9.30am.
2. Sunday Mass at 7.30am and 9.30 am.
3. On first Friday of the month Night vigil starts from the foothills at 7.00pm.
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