Calicut, on the Malibar Coast of Kerala, was known as the 'City of Spices', being on the main spice trade route. But also the place where the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route between Europe and India, came ashore in 1498. Kerala, with all its lush vegetation and abundance of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, ginger and pepper, must have been an explorer's dream come true and spice farms still define this southern part of India.
The colonialism which this voyage of discovery brought to India, can also be found in the abundance of Syrian Churches which dot the towns and countryside. The architecture is so different from anything in Europe - colour being one of the defining aspects of it. Facades and steeples are fanciful, windows are outlined in bright primary colours and outside walls are whitewashed.
The Church of St Francis (1503) in Kochi, is one of the oldest churches in India, and has the further distinction of being the burial site of Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524, on his third visit to India. He was laid to rest in the church itself.
The colonialism which this voyage of discovery brought to India, can also be found in the abundance of Syrian Churches which dot the towns and countryside. The architecture is so different from anything in Europe - colour being one of the defining aspects of it. Facades and steeples are fanciful, windows are outlined in bright primary colours and outside walls are whitewashed.
The Church of St Francis (1503) in Kochi, is one of the oldest churches in India, and has the further distinction of being the burial site of Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524, on his third visit to India. He was laid to rest in the church itself.
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