European Monuments

This circuit includes European monuments at Pallippuram, Kottappuram, Chendamangalam and North Paravur. They are the Pallippuram Fort, Kottappuram Fort, Vypeekotta Seminary, Holy Cross Church, Chendamangalam Synagogue and Paravur Synagogue.

Pallippuram Fort: The Pallippuram Fort was constructed by the Portuguese in 1507. This Fort was attacked by the Dutch in 1662. As it is situated in such an important area, the Mysore rulers tried to purchase it from the Dutch, but the English East India Company interfered and terminated that proposal. In 1789, the ruler of Travancore made a strategic move and purchased the Pallippuram Fort along with the Kottappuram Fort.

Kottappuram Fort: This fort was built by the Portuguese in 1523, but was later captured and destroyed by the Dutch, in 1663. After taking it over, the Dutch reduced the Fort to the minimum and used it as an outhouse, to guard their trade ships. The ruins of the original Fort show that the walls were 18 feet thick and made of laterite.

Vypeekotta Seminary, Kottayil Kovilakom: The seminary was established to teach the priests of Malabar the ceremonies and language to be used in Roman Catholic Churches founded here by the Portuguese.

Holy Cross Church, Kottayil Kovilakom: This church still functions in the compound where the ruins of Vypeekata seminary are found. It was probably built in the same period, but renovated later. Many stone inscriptions were encountered from the church compound during the exploration done here in 1935. The inscriptions are fixed on a half wall in front of the church.

Synagogue, Kottayil Kovilakom: The Jewish Synagogue is in traditional style with a separate entrance for the women. A tomb inscription is found in front of the Synagogue, believed to belong to one of its early members. The Department of Archaeology, in collaboration with the Jews abroad has arranged a display, which is kept inside and entitled 'The Jewish Synagogues in Kerala'.

Synagogue, North Paravur: This was the place of worship of the Jewish community that settled close to the Paravur Market. There are two rooms at the entrance and the Synagogue is beyond the small courtyard. The balcony is supported by decorated pillars and gilded beams. The entrance to Jews Street, from the main road to Paravur is guarded on either side by two tall pillars. The Jewish houses standing in the Street have been altered insensitively.