Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Made by the Portuguese Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi, this church is one of the eight Basilicas in India. Situated nearby the famous St. Francis Church, this heritage building of Kerala is also one of the finest cathedrals in India and it serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin. It's a Roman Catholic Cathedral situated at K.B. Jacob Road in Fort Kochi. It's a holy place and the center of historical significance, endued with artistic splendor and the colors of the medieval style.

Santa Cruz Basilica is beautified with two lofty spires, greeting all even from a distance. Its exterior is white-washed and amazingly vivid while the interior is colored in pastel. The interior has antique architecture of the medieval period that is overwhelming with its arches and an amazing altar.

The seven huge canvas paintings with an attractive reproduction of the 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci are a real retreat to your eyes. Looking at the ceiling, it's beautifully adorned with paintings showing the scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ. The stained glass windows and intricate wall carvings are other main attractions of the church that add grandeur to its beauty.

History of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Santa Cruz Basilica was constructed by Francesco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy, during his visit to Kochi in 1505. In the same year on 3rd May, this cathedral was founded and christened Santa Cruz Cathedral. This day was celebrated as the feast day of 'the Invention of the Holy Cross', hence on its completion, it was named Santa Cruz Basilica. Further, in the year 1663, some ugly instances occurred in Kochi.

The Dutch captured Kochi and ruined all Catholic establishments except the famous St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral. Unfortunately, in the year 1795, it was destroyed when the British took over Kochi city. Only a granite pillar of this grand cathedral was left after the devastation of the Santa Cruz Cathedral, and to date, it is kept in the southeastern corner of the cathedral.

Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira was appointed as the hierarch of Kochi in 1887, after which he rebuilt this cathedral, and it was blessed on November 19, 1902. His efforts came to light during the rule of his successor Dom Mateus Oliveira Xavier. Santa Cruz was stated as a Basilica by Pope John Paul II on 23rd August 1984.

Architecture of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

The architecture of the basilica depicts a beautiful blend of the Indo-European and the gothic style. The making of the pulpit and the wooden paneling of this cathedral are very impressive. The wooden panels and pulpit are beautifully crafted. The visitors can spot the presence of some exquisite paintings of Italian Origin inside this Cathedral.

The most alluring aspect of this Cathedral is the brilliant use of pastel shades. Moreover, the paintings, done by Brother Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Painter from Bergamo (Italy), from the time of the original foundation of the church adorn the interiors and ceiling of the Santa Cruz Basilica.

These breathtaking paintings are based on the theme of 'The Passion and Death on the Cross' and 'The Last Supper'. The ceilings are beautifully embellished with frescoes and murals based on the life of Christ, while the stained-glass windows further accentuate the beauty. This fantastic construction also has two lofty spires that welcome all even from a distance. The Cathedral showcases some overwhelming arches and a splendid altar.