Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Timings : 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Time Required: 1-2 hrs

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Located on the road towards the beach in Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica also known as Kottepalli which was constructed by the Portuguese. It is a majestic church with outstanding features and a serene atmosphere and is hence visited by tourists throughout the year. Even when the Dutch destroyed many catholic buildings, the original structure of this church remained and was used as a depot for ammunition but it was later destroyed by the British. The second cathedral, which is seen now, was constructed in 1876 and was completed and consecrated in 1905.

The interior of the church is equally stunning with an impressive altar, several statues and paintings all around. Some of the paintings were done by an Italian painter from Bergamo, Jesuit Fra Antonio Moscheni. The pillars that touch the wooden ceilings are also decorated. The windows are made of coloured glasses which is another attraction. 

There are two holy masses in English in a week on Wednesdays 6 pm and Sundays 5:30 pm.

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Bolgatty Palace

Location: NH966A, Mulavukad, Kochi, Kerala 682504

The Bolgatty Palace is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Netherland which was built in the year 1744 by traders from the same country and then modified by adding gardens around it. It is situated beside the backwaters on Bolgatty Island in the panchayat of Mulavukad in Kochi. Initially, it was used by the Dutch as the governor’s palace and later it was handed over to the British in 1909 when it was used by the English governors during the British rule. After India gained independence from the British, this palace was brought under the state’s ownership and was then converted into an elegant hotel resort with a waterfront, golf course, swimming pool, ayurvedic centre and daily Kathakali performances. It also has a large parking space now. Even though it is located on an island it is well connected by the roads. Therefore several tourists stay in the resort and also several events are also hosted in the premises. 

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