Santa Cruz Basilica, also known as Kotta Palli, is one of India's oldest and most impressive churches, situated in Fort Kochi, Kerala. Serving as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, this historical edifice was originally constructed by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Dom Francisco de Almeida, in 1505 and later elevated to cathedral status by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Elevated to cathedral status by Pope Paul IV in 1558 and recognized as a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984, its historical and artistic significance is unparalleled.