KOCHI: Fort Kochi, that houses some of the city's most exciting historical sites, will be celebrating International Heritage Day on December 27 at 4.30 pm at the premises of St. Francis Church. This day's celebration coincides with the 508 years of existence of St Francis Church at Fort Kochi.This was the first European church built in India by the Portuguese. In the year 1503, Portuguese erected the church with the consent of Kochi Raja Godha Varma who was reigning at that time.The function will be inaugurated by Dr Charles Dias (MP and Dr K A Simon (Director, Institute of Kunjali Marakar Engineering College, Cochin University) will be the Chief Guest. Since the last two years, the day has been celebrated as 'International Heritage Day' and prior to that as 'International Tourism Day'.This year the event aims to look at the preservation of heritage buildings in and around Fort Kochi. “Lack of maintenance and preservation are so evident during tourist visits in the rainy season, when the roofs can be seen leaking” says Austin Paul, President of International Forum For Cultural Heritage and Tradition.
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