Fort Cochin - Jewish Synagogue

Activity Charges / Entry Fee: INR 5 per person
Time Required
One hour
Timings
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Difficulty Level
Easy
Best Suited For
Couples and Families.

Quick Info

The Paradesi Synagogue is more than a hundred years old and houses many rare antiques. Among all the commonwealth countries of the world, the Jewish Synagogue in Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue. It was built by the prosperous Jewish community of Cochin in 1568 AD. In 1662, it was partially destroyed by the Portguese and then reconstructed, two years later, by the Dutch.

Rankings & Ratings



An ideal sightseeing spot for people who are interested in history.
Editor's Rankings

#10 in 16 Things to Do in Cochin
#1 in 3 Museums & Historical Places in Cochin
#6 in 7 Sightseeing Spots in Cochin

TripAdvisor Ratings

Editor's Review

The Jewish Synagogue is a really old one. If you are someone interested in history and culture, this place is definitely worth a visit. The interiors are ancient and very grand. But you will have to adjust your schedule to visit this place because it's timings are a little strange.


PROS

  • Good place for a one-time visit.
  • Well-maintained.
  • The entrance fee is very less.
  • Worth checking out if interested in history and culture.
  • Lots of places to do souvenir shopping.

CONS

  • No photography allowed.
  • The timings may not really suit everyone.
  • Not suitable for children.
  • If you're not interested in history and culture, this place might be boringfor you.

Detailed Info

The Paradesi Synagogue is more than a hundred years old and houses many rare antiques. Among all the common wealth countries of the world, the Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue. It was built by the prosperous Jewish community of Cochin in 1568 AD. In 1662, it was partially destroyed by the Portguese and then reconstructed, two years later, by the Dutch. It is one of the primary sightseeing spots in Kerala.

The synagogue was built on a land gifted to the Malabari Yehuden community by Raja Varma, the then Raja of Kochi and shares a common wall with the famous Mattancherry Palace temple. The floor of the synagogue itself is a showpiece with the paving of hand-painted blue willow patterned floor tiles. It is wrapped with painted Chinese tiles, none of which resembles the other. Its interior is adorned with Belgian chandeliers and grand lightings. The marvelous construction of the synagogue is revealed in all its features including the splendid pillars.

The Synagogue has a collection of rare antique objects that add to the grandeur of the place. The light falling through the large open windows make the sight of chandeliers and lamps more delightful.

The synagogue is open every day except on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays.