[2][3] The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India.

His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were relocated to Lisbon and is now interred at Jerónimos Monastery.

[4][5] Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route from Europe to India, landed at Kappad near Kozhikode in 1498.

Francisco de Almeida, the Portuguese viceroy, was allowed, in 1506, by the Raja of Cochin to reconstruct wooden buildings in stone and masonry.

His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were moved to Lisbon.