India’s first Church and Mosque - Kochi’s sacred beginnings that shaped history

Kochi is like walking into a room full of stories, where the walls have heard centuries of prayers, the streets have witnessed trade and trust, and the sea breeze carries whispers of old friendships. And at the heart of this beautifully tangled history stand two quiet yet powerful symbols of unity. Cheraman Juma Masjid, India’s first mosque, and St. Francis Church, India’s first European church.

These aren’t just religious sites, they’re proof that Fort Kochi got secularism right long before it became a buzzword. A mosque and a church, standing tall for centuries, side by side, in the same city, this is where faith wasn’t just about belief; it was about belonging. So, let me tell you the story of how Kochi became the OG melting pot of faith and culture.

Cheraman Juma Masjid: The first mosque in India

Tucked away in Kodungallur, just a short drive from Kochi, Cheraman Juma Masjid is believed to be the first mosque in India, built in 629 AD. But what makes it even more intriguing is the fact that it was not built by foreign traders or invaders, it was built on the orders of a Chera king who embraced Islam.

First mosque of India. 

The king’s journey to Mecca

The legend goes that Cheraman Perumal, the last Chera king of Kerala, saw a vision of the moon splitting in two, a miracle attributed to Prophet Muhammad. Intrigued, he traveled to Mecca, converted to Islam, and passed away there. Before his death, he instructed Malik Ibn Dinar, one of Prophet Muhammad’s companions, to bring Islam to his land. That’s how Cheraman Juma Masjid came into existence.

Why this mosque is special?

• The architecture: Unlike traditional Islamic mosques, this one blends Kerala temple-style design with sloping roofs, wooden interiors, and a Kerala-style oil lamp inside—something rarely seen in mosques.
• An open-door policy: This is one of the few mosques in India that welcomes people of all faiths to visit, making it a true representation of Kerala’s samoohika sneham (communal harmony).
• Historical significance: It predates many of the world’s famous mosques and stands as a symbol of India’s ancient trade links with the Arab world.

Location: Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur
Drive time from The Hosteller Fort Kochi: 1hr 16mins

And just as Kochi welcomed Islam with open arms, a few centuries later, another faith found its home here…

St. Francis Church: The first European church in India

Built in 1503, St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi holds the title of India’s first European church. Initially constructed in wood by Portuguese traders, it was later rebuilt in stone, witnessing centuries of history unfold.

First church of India  

Vasco da Gama’s final resting place

The church is most famously linked to Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route to India. When he passed away in 1524, he was buried right here, inside this very church. Though his remains were later moved to Lisbon, Portugal, his original tombstone still exists inside. And I have heard that local uncles still sit under the banyan tree near the church with their filter kaapi, swapping stories about Vasco da Gama like he’s one of their own.

Why visit St. Francis Church?

• A witness to colonial history: The church changed hands between the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, each leaving their mark on its structure.
• The architecture: The simple yet elegant whitewashed walls, wooden pews, and large arched windows reflect European craftsmanship with a touch of Kerala’s charm.
• Peaceful atmosphere: If you visit during a service, you might hear the melodic hymns filling the air—serenity at its finest.

Location: St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi
Drive time from The Hosteller Fort Kochi: 31 mins

What do these landmarks tell us about Kochi

Both Cheraman Juma Masjid and St. Francis Church stand as reminders of a Kochi that was always open to the world. This coastal city has long been a melting pot of traders, travellers, and cultures. Where faith, business, and traditions blended seamlessly.

One symbolizes faith’s arrival, the other its expansion

• Cheraman Juma Masjid represents India’s ancient links with the Arab world, proving that Islam arrived in peace, not conquest.
• St. Francis Church tells the story of Europe’s colonial ambition, but also the cultural exchanges that followed.

Why these stories matter today

In a time when divisions are making headlines, Fort Kochi’s history reminds us that peaceful coexistence isn’t new, it’s in our roots. This city was a melting pot before it was cool, proving that different faiths and cultures can not only exist side by side—but thrive together.Something The Hosteller Fort Kochi has in common.

So, the next time you check in at The Hosteller Fort Kochi and walk through the lanes of Kochi don’t just stop at the Chinese fishing nets. Take a detour. Walk through history. Let these places tell you their stories. Sheri alle? (cool, right?)