FORT KOCHI

Every visitor to Kochi has got to see Fort Kochi. It is the historic part of Cochin (its former colonial name) with many shops, stalls, museums and tourist attractions. These highlight Cochin’s long history and varied colonial past

Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, was built by the Portuguese in 1555 AD. The Jewish Synagogue, otherwise known as the Paradesi Synagogue, is the oldest synagogue in India, built in 1568. The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, built originally by the Portuguese was elevated to a Cathedral in 1558, and a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Bolgatty Palace built in 1744 by the Dutch, is one of the oldest Dutch palaces existing outside Holland, and served as the home of the British Governors during the British regime.  The St Francis Church, built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India. It was in this church that Vasco-da-Gama was first buried before his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539 - his tombstone can still be seen there.

 Around the Vasco-da Gama Square a narrow promenade is a place to relax beside stalls full of fresh seafood and coconuts. Generally the waterside paths are a pleasant way to enjoy the cool breeze from the Arabian Sea while watching the famous Chinese fishing nets being raised and lowered.

 

Definitely a morning, if not a day's, worth of your time.

 



Santa Cruz Basilica

Chinese Fishing Nets

St Francis Church