Jew Town
The Jewish Quarter is a historic neighborhood in Mattancherry, part of Kochi in Kerala, India. Its narrow lanes contain stone buildings, antique shops, and the Pardesi Synagogue, built in 1568, which features brass chandeliers and hand-painted ceramic floor tiles. Surrounding streets hold art galleries, craft shops, and the Dutch Palace decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
The quarter developed after Jewish communities arrived in Kochi in the 15th century, welcomed by local rulers. The Pardesi Synagogue was constructed in 1568 and remains one of the oldest in the Commonwealth. The Dutch Palace was added later in the 16th century when European powers began establishing control in the region.
The neighborhood takes its name from the Jewish community that has called this place home for centuries. Today you can see the influence of this heritage in the wooden-shuttered buildings, small antique shops, and the functioning synagogue that remains a center of worship and identity.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the streets are cobblestone and narrow, and visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. You must remove your shoes when entering the synagogue, and allow time to discover the small details of the old buildings, craft shops, and galleries scattered throughout the area.
On some older buildings you will notice the Swastika symbol displayed alongside the Star of David, a rare visible sign of how Jewish and Indian traditions have coexisted in this space. Today only about ten members of the original Jewish community remain, yet the synagogue continues to function and is maintained with support from visitors and local helpers.
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