Mattancherry (Malayalam:[mɐʈːaːɲd͡ʒeːɾi]; Cochin Portuguese Creole: Cochim de Cima[ˈkoʃĩðɨˈsĩmɐ]), is a historic ward of Kochi, Kerala. It is about 9 km south-west from the city centre. Mattanchery is home to many sites of historical and cultural significance, including the Paradesi Synagogue- which was the centre of life in the Jewish Quarter. In addition to the Cochin Jews and Paradesi Jews, Mattanchery is also home to Konkanis[1] and Gujaratis, with the Gujarati street in Mattancherry being a cultural icon for Keralite Gujaratis.[2]
Mattancherry is home to the Paradesi Synagogue, India's oldest functioning synagogue,[4]Mattancherry Palace Museum, Mattacherry Pazhayannur Royal temple, Church of our Lady of Health, and the Holy Cross Pilgrim Centre Mattancherry
Mattancherry Palace ( Dutch Palace) - Mattancherry Palace was the residence of the kings of Kochi. The palace was built in 1555 by Veera Kerala Varma (1537–1565), the King of Cochin, was renovated by the Dutch in 1663 and became known as the 'Dutch Palace'. Today, there are portraits of the kings of Kochi and many unique murals in India.
Paradesi Synagogue - The synagogue was built in 1568 by the Paradesi Jewish people of Kochi. It is also known as the Kochi Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Synagogue. The synagogue is located at what is now known as Jewish Street in Old Kochi. The synagogue was built near the Mattancherry Palace on a site donated by King Rama Varma of Kochi to the Jewish community. There is only one wall between the palace temple and this synagogue.
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The Paradesi Synagogue is one of the very few active synagogues in Kerala
International Tourism Police Museum at Mattancherry
