Located between David Hall and Bastion Bungalow, Saint Francis Church is one of the oldest European churches in India. The original church was built in 1503 with a wooden structure and dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. However, the church underwent reconstruction around 1506 and later reopened in 1516 with a new stone structure. The new church, until 1663, was dedicated to Saint Antony before the Dutch took over before they surrendered to the British who renamed and rebuilt the church. That is the structure you see today and you'll find the only remaining part wooden part of the original church from 1503 near the altar.
Currently, an Anglican Church, the Saint Francis Church has Sunday masses and is open to the public all through the week. The insides of the church and overall construction resemble old European style however unlike the churches there, this one features fewer decorations — sans stained glass windows, there are no portraits, paintings or chandeliers. You'll find that the walls of the church have tombstones and inscriptions along with a baptism well. Near the right wing of the church is where you'll find Vasco De Gama's tombstone and burial spot. He was buried here after he died on his third visit to India in 1524. He remains are no longer here but at Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal.
