Fort Kochi takes its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin, the first European fort on Indian soil, controlled by the Portuguese East Indies. This is part of a handful of water-bound islands and islets toward the south-west of the mainland Kochi, and collectively known as Old Cochin or West Cochin.Fort Kochi has played an important role in the history of Kerala,also has several attractions like the Santa Cruz Basilica and houses many historical monuments such as the St. Francis Church, the first church of Vasco da Gama, the Dutch Seminary, the China Vela and many others.