Jewish Synagogue
The Paradesi Synagogue, also known as the Mattancherry Synagogue, is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Built in 1568 by the Sephardic Jews (known as Paradesi or foreigners), it stands as a testament to the rich cultural diversity of Kochi. The synagogue was constructed on land gifted by the Raja of Kochi, Rama Varma, right next to the Mattancherry Palace. Inside, the synagogue is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, including the Old Testament scrolls, gold crowns presented by various kings, and copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Chera rulers. The most striking feature inside is the floor, which is paved with hundreds of unique, hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles from the 18th century. No two tiles are exactly the same. The ceiling is adorned with exquisite Belgian crystal chandeliers that were imported specifically for this house of worship. The synagogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 but was later restored by the Dutch when they took control of the region. Today, it serves as a major tourist attraction, although it still functions as a place of worship for the few remaining Jewish families in the city. Visitors are required to enter barefoot, and a strict dress code is enforced to maintain the sanctity of the space. It is a place of quiet reflection, offering a glimpse into the life and faith of a community that played a pivotal role in the history of Kerala.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 to 60 MinsPlace Type:
Historical & ReligiousEntry Fees:
Ticket Price: A nominal fee of Rs.5 to Rs.10 is charged for maintenance.
Photography: No extra fee, but strictly Not Allowed inside the main prayer hall. ...Ticket Price: A nominal fee of Rs.5 to Rs.10 is charged for maintenance.
Photography: No extra fee, but strictly Not Allowed inside the main prayer hall.Timing:
Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Closed Days: It is strictly closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and all Jewish Holidays. ...Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Closed Days: It is strictly closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and all Jewish Holidays.Special Events:
Sabbath: The weekly Sabbath prayers (Saturday) are important, though tourists are generally restricted during service times.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year is celebrated with special lights and prayers by the local community. ...Sabbath: The weekly Sabbath prayers (Saturday) are important, though tourists are generally restricted during service times.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year is celebrated with special lights and prayers by the local community.Best Photo Spots:
Clock Tower: The best angle for the clock tower is from the Jew Town street side during the morning light.
Entrance Gate: The white facade with the Star of David is a classic shot for heritage lovers. ...Clock Tower: The best angle for the clock tower is from the Jew Town street side during the morning light.
Entrance Gate: The white facade with the Star of David is a classic shot for heritage lovers.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Observe the Tiles: Look closely at the Hand-painted Tiles on the floor; each one tells a different floral story.
Examine the Scrolls: View the ancient Torah Scrolls kept in the teak ark, which are considered highly sacred.
Read the History: Spend time reading the display boards that narrate the 2000-year history of Jews in Kerala.
Admire the Chandeliers: Marvel at the Belgian Glass chandeliers that hang from the ceiling, reflecting the light beautifully.
Photography (Outside): Take photos of the White-washed exterior and the clock tower, as inside photography is strictly prohibited.
Silent Reflection: Sit for a few moments in the pews to soak in the Historic Atmosphere and the quietude.Observe the Tiles: Look closely at the Hand-painted Tiles on the floor; each one tells a different floral story.
Examine the Scrolls: View the ancient Torah Scrolls kept in the teak ark, which are considered highly sacred.
Read the History: Spend time reading the display boards that narrate the 2000-year history of Jews in Kerala.
Admire the Chandeliers: Marvel at the Belgian Glass chandeliers that hang from the ceiling, reflecting the light beautifully.
Photography (Outside): Take photos of the White-washed exterior and the clock tower, as inside photography is strictly prohibited.
Silent Reflection: Sit for a few moments in the pews to soak in the Historic Atmosphere and the quietude.
Visit the Gift Shop: Buy small replicas of the synagogue or books about Kochi's Jewish history at the entrance.
Information
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Why Famous:
Historical Record: Famous for housing the Copper Plates of the 4th century given by the Chera King.
Exquisite Decor: Renowned for its Chinese Tiles and Belgian Chandeliers, creating a visually stunning interior.Historical Record: Famous for housing the Copper Plates of the 4th century given by the Chera King.
Exquisite Decor: Renowned for its Chinese Tiles and Belgian Chandeliers, creating a visually stunning interior.
Jewish Heritage: It is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area that is still in active use. -
Architecture:
Global Fusion: The architecture is a unique mix of Jewish, Portuguese, and Dutch influences with a 45-foot clock tower.
Interiors: Features a brass-railed pulpit and hand-painted Chinese Tiles (11x11 inches) from Canton.
Read MoreGlobal Fusion: The architecture is a unique mix of Jewish, Portuguese, and Dutch influences with a 45-foot clock tower.
Interiors: Features a brass-railed pulpit and hand-painted Chinese Tiles (11x11 inches) from Canton.
Clock Tower: Built in 1761, the tower has four faces with numerals in Hebrew, Roman, Malayalam, and Arabic.How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport is 42 KM away; take a bus to Fort Kochi or a direct taxi.
By Train: Ernakulam South station is 10 KM away; autos are readily available for a fixed rate.
By Road: You c...By Air: Cochin International Airport is 42 KM away; take a bus to Fort Kochi or a direct taxi.
By Train: Ernakulam South station is 10 KM away; autos are readily available for a fixed rate.
By Road: You can drive to Mattancherry, but parking is difficult; it's better to park nearby and walk.
By Local Transport: The Ferry from Main Jetty Ernakulam to Mattancherry (15 mins) is the most scenic route.Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Morning Hours: Reach by 10:00 AM sharp to enter before the large tour groups arrive.
Winter Months: November to February offers cool weather, making the walk through the narrow streets enjoyable.
Post-Monsoon:<...Morning Hours: Reach by 10:00 AM sharp to enter before the large tour groups arrive.
Winter Months: November to February offers cool weather, making the walk through the narrow streets enjoyable.
Post-Monsoon: September and October are good as the surroundings are clean and the air is fresh.Near Tourist Places:
Mattancherry Palace (0. 1 KM), Jew Town (0 KM), Fort Kochi (3 KM), Chinese Fishing Nets (4 KM), St. Francis Church (4 KM), Indo-Portuguese Museum (3. 5 KM), Maritime Museum (4 KM), Santa Cruz Basilica (3. 5 KM), Bishop's House (3. 5 KM), Dutch Cemetery (4 KM)Tourism Tips
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Dress Code: Modest Dressing is mandatory; no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed for both men and women.
Footwear: You must Remove Shoes before entering the synagogue; wear socks if you prefer not to be barefoot.
Read MoreDress Code: Modest Dressing is mandatory; no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed for both men and women.
Footwear: You must Remove Shoes before entering the synagogue; wear socks if you prefer not to be barefoot.
Security: Security checks are present at the entrance; avoid carrying large bags inside.
Connectivity: There is No Wi-Fi inside; mobile signals can be weak inside the thick-walled structure.Reviews
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