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The St Francis Church was constructed by the Portuguese in 1503. In 1524, Vasco da Gama was cremated in this place and later moved to Lisbon.
His tomb is still extant in Ernakulam and is managed by the Church of South India. One can also find the ‘Doop Book’ from 1751 to 1804. This is the old baptism and marriage register.
The Portuguese constructed the Mattanchery or Dutch Palace in 1557. In 1663, the Dutch renovated this palace. In this palace, the Dutch maps of Kochi, beautiful murals, period furniture, coronation robes of the past Maharajas of Kochi and royal palanquins are displayed.
The Bolgatty Island is reputed for the Bolgatty Palace, which has honeymoon cottages. In 1744, the Dutch built this island, which was captured by the British. Currently, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation handles this palace.
The Bishop’s House was constructed in 1506 over a small hill. In the past, this was the residence of the Portuguese Governor. The front portion of the structure has huge Gothic arches and a round garden path that leads to the main entrance.
The 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Kochi, who has a huge jurisdiction of Ceylon, Burmah, Malaya and India, has taken control of this house.
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