St Francis CSI Church in Kochi originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and has a great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial heritage in the subcontinent. The portugese explorer, Vasco Da Gama was originally buried in this church in 1524, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon. His grave stone can still be seen here on the ground at southern sid
A unique system of fishing is being followed since the 14th century since the arrival of the Chinese traders. The fixed land installations have nets that are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles with large stones suspended from ropes and counterweights, it’s a marvel along the narrow promenade that runs along the beach
Mattancherry or Dutch Palace is a historical edifice; originally built by the Portugese and was later renovated by the Dutch in 1663 and presented to the Cochin Rajah in lieu of greater trading privileges.Coronations of many Rajas of Kochi were held in the main hall of the first floor. The palace is adorned with the fine seventeenth century murals illustrating scenes from the Hindu epic of the Mahabaratha and the Ramayana.
Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth nations. The synagogue has the Scrolls of the Law, several gold crowns received as gifts , many Belgian glass chandeliers and a brass railed pulpit. The floor of the Synagouge is composed of hundreds of Chinese hand-painted porecelain tiles, all which are unique
Jew town in Mattancherry has numerous antique and craft stores. Most of the antique shops sell colonial era and heritage sculptures, décor, interior artifacts and souvenirs. International pepper exchange is situated here, wherein instead of money, its only pepper trading. This is the world’s only pepper exchange. Its worth to see the wide range of pepper varieties and their trading practices
The 282 year old Dutch Cemetry in Fort Kochi is the oldest European cemetery and considered to be authentic record of hundreds of Europeans who arrived in India to expand their colonial empire. The unique feature of the 104 tombs is that none of them carry a cross, unlike in modern tombs. Both the big and small tombs resemble the the dutch architecture of the period. The inscriptions on them are in the old Dutch script.
Fort Kochi, a gem nestled along the Malabar Coast in the southwestern state of Kerala, India, boasts a rich and illustrious history that spans over many centuries. This coastal town, often referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," has been a melting pot of cultures, a hub of maritime trade, and a witness to the ebb and flow of colonial powers. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its prominence on the global stage, the history of Fort Kochi is a tale of resilience, cultural exchange, and the enduring spirit of its people.
The origins of Fort Kochi can be traced back to antiquity when it was a small fishing hamlet inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Malayalis and the Sambandar Brahmins. Its strategic location along the spice route attracted traders from distant lands, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese, who ventured here in search of precious commodities like spices, silk, and ivory.
The turning point in Fort Kochi's history came with the arrival of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. His discovery of a direct sea route to India revolutionized global trade and marked the beginning of European colonialism in the region. Recognizing the strategic importance of Kochi's natural harbor, the Portuguese established a fortification here in 1503, thus laying the foundation for the settlement of Fort Kochi.
Under Portuguese rule, Fort Kochi flourished as a vibrant trading port, attracting merchants from far and wide. The Portuguese erected churches, forts, and administrative buildings, leaving an indelible mark on the town's architectural landscape. One of the most significant landmarks from this era is the St. Francis Church, built in 1503, which stands as one of the oldest European churches in India and houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama.
In the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company ousted the Portuguese from Fort Kochi, signaling a shift in colonial power dynamics. The Dutch era brought about significant changes to Fort Kochi's infrastructure and governance, with the construction of the iconic Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) being one of the most notable developments. This architectural marvel, adorned with exquisite murals depicting scenes from Indian mythology and history, stands as
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