One of the oldest Portuguese houses in India, Vasco House is believed to be the residence of renowned explorer, Vasco da Gama, who stayed here until his death in 1524. It was built in the early 16th century and boasts balcony cum verandahs and fine European glass paned windows, characteristic of that time. In fact, it was one of the finest examples that paved the way for the construction of European-styled buildings in Fort Kochi. The large windows of the house open in the direction of St Francis Church. Today, it has been converted into a homestay, where visitors can still catch vestiges of glorious days gone by. The 500-year-old Vasco House is located on Rose Street.

Legend has it that Vasco da Gama left the shores of Lisbon to find the source of spices that were transported to Europe by Arab traders. In his quest, he reached the Malabar coast and after that travelled to Kerala thrice. Gama's discovery of a sea route to the Malabar coast led to the Portuguese coming here in large numbers. After Gama died of malaria on Christmas Eve in this house, he was buried at the St Francis Church nearby.