Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica (one of the eight Basilica in India) is located at Fort Kochi. This basilica serves as the Cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, the second oldest Diocese of India.

The history of the basilica dates back to the 16th century with the arrival of Portuguese missionaries along with the second Portuguese fleet under Pedro Álvares Cabral on 24 December 1500. The Cochin King Godha Varma I received them very warmly. This caused the Zamorin of Calicut to declare war against Cochin. The Portuguese army under Commander Dom Afonso de Albuquerque who reached Cochin in 1503 defeated the enemies of the King of Cochin and in return the king gave them permission to build a fort in Cochin.

The foundation stone was laid on 3 May, 1505, the feast day of the 'Invention of the Holy Cross', hence the church was named Santa Cruz.

In 1958, Pope Paul IV, raised the Santa Cruz Church to the status of a Cathedral along with the erection of the second diocese in India - Diocese of Cochin. The Dutch who conquered Cochin in 1663, made the Cathedral their arms storehouse. Later it fell in the hands of the British who demolished it

The present day structure was consecrated on 19 November 1905 by Bishop Dom Sebastião José Pereira. In 23 August 1984, Pope John Paul II through a special Decree "Constat Sane Templum Sanctae Cruci" raised the status of Santa Cruz Cathedral to Basilica for its antiquity, artistic dignity and historical importance.

The church has two lofty spires and a remarkably bright, white-washed exterior. The interior of the church has Gothic style architecture with its overwhelming arches and the main altar was decorated by the famous Italian painter Fr Antonio Moscheni, S.J., and his disciple De Gama of Mangalore. The seven large canvas paintings including a beautiful reproduction of the 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci are a real feast for the eyes. The ceilings of the church are adorned with paintings that depict scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ. The beautiful stained glass windows are another attraction

Tourist Visiting Hours: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (from Tuesday to Saturday), 10:30 AM to 01:00 PM (Sunday)
Website: http://www.santacruzcathedralbasilica.org/

Kayees Hotel

The mark of a good restaurant is not necessarily its size, but the quality of its food and the generosity of its staff. The location of the diner makes it appear more promising. The owners were wise in this regard, having selected a spot near which there are places where family more often likely to visit one is Subash Chandra Bose Park and Durbar Hall Ground, both the places are in the vicinity of this place.

Furthermore, the building stands on its own instead of being wedged between other store fronts. The hotel has two sections one with A/C and other is non-A/C both clean and tidy. The interior is very spacious and well furnished to accommodate maximum number of customers and with a troop of waiters they won’t keep you waiting making your dining experience more comfortable.

With songs played inside the atmosphere is perfect for having a meal with family and friends. The menu is small but talks volumes about the variety provided in veg and non-veg especially in sea food.

The shop remains open from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The time during which we saw a huge rush in the hotel was between 1 and 2 in the noon. With Biryani their speciality, it is sure to make you appetizing.

As of now no home delivery is provided by the hotel management but customers can place an order before and your food be packed so you can take it home. There’s no doubt a table at Kayees will quickly become the hottest reservation in town.

Korter Place de Glance

Korter Place de Glance is a premium ice-cream outlet selling the Uncle John brand located near Durbar Hall ground.

Korter offers 29 ice-cream flavours and 18 ice-cream varieties with many toppings including sauces, creams, fruits and nuts. The ice cream is very good and makes a delicious after-dinner dessert. The outlet has a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable seating. One must try the Kafchoc almond flavour – a mix of slightly dark chocolate and almonds .

They also have an outlet at Subash Bose Road, and at Jawahar Nagar.

It is opened from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Website: http://www.unclejohn.in/

Milano Ice Cream 100% Fresh Italian Gelato

Milano is an ice cream parlor that offers Italian Gelato. It is located at M. G. Road near Ravipuram.

The Gelato’s are served in the shop in Cones or Cups (small, medium, large). You can flavour your ice cream by having whipped cream or chocolate cover at an extra charge of Rs 20. Adding to its name delicious Ice Cream Cakes are also available at Rs 700 per kg. 

Must try: Affogato al Caffè (vanilla gelato with espresso and whip cream) and Spagnola (vanilla gelato with amarena cherrys and whip cream) 

With out hitting hard on your pocket getting it provides Italian gelato with the essence of freshness . It is opened from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM . Milano is owned by Mr. Giancario Segalini.  

Phone No: 0484 3911137

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/milanocochin