Vasco da Gama Pillar: A Monument to the Portuguese Navigator
Vasco da Gama Pillar is a monument located in the city of Cochin, Kerala, India. It was erected in the late 16th century to commemorate the first European to reach India by sea, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama. The granite stone pillar, which stands at 27 metres tall, is a well-known landmark of Cochin and is a popular tourist attraction.
A Brief History of Vasco da Gama’s Voyage
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea. In 1497, he set sail with four ships on an expedition to find a sea route from Europe to India. After a perilous journey of over two months, da Gama and his crew reached Calicut (now Kozhikode) in India in May 1498.
Upon his return to Portugal in 1499, da Gama was welcomed with great fanfare and honoured with a hero’s welcome. He was also appointed as the first Governor of India. To commemorate his achievement, the Portuguese rulers built the Vasco da Gama Pillar in Cochin in the late 16th century.
Exploring the Vasco da Gama Pillar
The Vasco da Gama Pillar is a 27-metre-high granite stone column that is located in the Fort Kochi region of Cochin, close to St. Francis Church. It is believed to have been erected by the Portuguese in 1524.
The pillar is intricately carved from top to bottom and has a cross on the top. It also has inscriptions in Latin on its four sides. On the east side, the inscription reads ‘Vasco da Gama, the discoverer of the sea route to India, erected this cross on his first visit to India in the year 1524.
The pillar is quite an imposing structure and is one of the major attractions of Cochin. It stands as a reminder of the great explorer’s historic voyage and the enduring relationship between India and Portugal.
Visiting the Vasco da Gama Pillar
The Vasco da Gama Pillar is a popular tourist spot in Cochin and can be easily accessed by road. Visitors can drive or take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the Pillar. The monument is open to the public seven days a week, from 8 am to 6 pm. There is no entry fee.
The Pillar is located close to St. Francis Church, which is another popular tourist attraction in Cochin. Visitors can explore the Pillar and then visit the Church, as both are located in close proximity.
Conclusion
The Vasco da Gama Pillar stands as a reminder of the great Portuguese explorer’s historic voyage. It is a well-known landmark of Cochin and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the Pillar and then visit St. Francis Church, which is located in close proximity.
The Pillar is open seven days a week, from 8 am to 6 pm. There is no entry fee. It is a must-visit for any history enthusiast or anyone looking to explore the history and culture of Cochin.