Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica rises above the historic streets of Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Its story begins in the early Portuguese period, when permission was granted to build a church in 1505; it was elevated to cathedral status in the 16th century. After later destruction and rebuilding, the present cathedral was consecrated in 1905, and Pope John Paul II raised it to the status of a basilica in 1984.

The building is notable for its twin spires, Indo-European and Gothic architectural character, stained-glass windows and richly painted interior. Kerala Tourism records works associated with Italian painter Brother Antonio Moscheni, including religious paintings around the altar and ceiling. The basilica remains an active place of worship as well as a major Fort Kochi heritage attraction.

Visitors should experience it respectfully, allowing time to appreciate both the architecture and the long Catholic history of Kochi.