Santa Cruz Basilica is amongst the oldest churches in Kochi and is also one of the eight Basilicas in the country. Built by the first Portuguese viceroy, Francesco de Almeida in 1505, this church is the oldest church in India. The foundation stone of this church was laid on 3 May, 1505, during the feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross. Upon the completion, this church was given the name as Santa Cruz Cathedral. Along with the rest of churches in Kochi, this church was ruined in 1663, when the Dutch conquered the city. During that period, this cathedral was used as an armoury. In the destruction of the cathedral, only an elaborate granite pillar remained, which is still kept on the south-eastern corner of the present Basilica. This cathedral was rebuilt in 1887 by Bishop Dom Joao Gomes Ferreira. The renovation of this cathedral was completed during the reign of Dom Mateus Oliveira Xavier. Sanctification of this cathedral was done by Dom Sebastiao Jose Pereira, on November 19, 1905. Owing to the historical significance of this church, Pope John Paul II designated this cathedral to as a Basilica, on 19th December 1984. Architecture of this basilica is an amalgamation of the Indo-European and gothic style. The interiors of this basilica are adorned with the Italian paintings that date back to 1505. Located in Fort Kochi, this basilica can be accessed by bus or boat from Ernakulam.