Dutch Cemetery

Located near the shores of Fort Kochi, the Dutch Cemetery stands as one of the oldest European cemeteries in India and a solemn testament to Kerala’s colonial past. Established in 1724, this resting ground reflects a time when Dutch merchants and officers crossed the seas to leave their imprint on the Malabar Coast. With weathered tombstones and simple architecture, the cemetery narrates quiet yet powerful stories of lives once tied to exploration, conquest, and cultural exchange.

Colonial Echoes in Stone

Enclosed by a laterite wall and guarded by an arched gateway marked with the year of its consecration, the Dutch Cemetery is a peaceful corner of history amidst the bustle of Fort Kochi. The site contains 104 tombs of Dutch governors, commanders, and officials, and a few British nationals who played key roles in shaping the region during the Dutch East India Company’s reign. Most of the tombstones are constructed from granite and red laterite and carry epitaphs in old Dutch script, some still clearly legible despite centuries of tropical weathering.

The architecture is plain yet dignified—there are no ornate carvings, only muted stonework that reflects Dutch Protestant simplicity. The cemetery does not function anymore as a burial site, but its records are carefully preserved by the St. Francis CSI Church, which also oversees its upkeep through the Church of South India. Though closed to daily visitors, it occasionally opens its gates on request, offering a rare chance to step into a preserved piece of history.

Standing close to the famed St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was once buried, the Dutch Cemetery complements the story of Fort Kochi’s rich multicultural legacy. A visit here offers not just a look at tombstones, but a chance to reflect on centuries of maritime ambition and its lasting imprint on Kerala’s identity.

Visitor Information

The Dutch Cemetery is located near St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi and can be viewed from outside its gates. Though generally closed to the public, access is occasionally granted upon special request through the Church of South India or the nearby St. Francis CSI Church, which maintains burial records. There is no entry fee, but respectful behavior is expected while visiting this sacred and historical site. The ideal time to visit is from October to February, when Fort Kochi sees an influx of cultural tourists exploring the area’s colonial landmarks.