Believed to be the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth, the Mattancherry Synagogue, also known as the Pardesi Synagogue, was built in the year 1568. The word ‘Pardesi’ literally translates to ‘foreigner’ in many Indian languages. Most of the original members of the community in Mattancherry hailed from the Middle East and Europe. Once destroyed by the Portuguese in the year 1662, synagogue was reconstructed by the Dutch a few years later. Its intricate architecture, storied past and enduring significance draw thousands of visitors each year. 

Step into the synagogue to be greeted by old world charm and elegance. The large main hall has a splendid display of rare antique objects as well as beautiful chandeliers and lamps. The exquisite chandeliers were in fact imported from Belgium and date back to the 19th century.  The blue hand-painted, willow patterned floor tiles in the monument are a sight to behold. It is said that Ezekiel Rahabi, a renowned Jewish businessman, brought these tiles from Canton, China in the 18th century. 

The artistically designed pillars, clock tower and Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs all make the synagogue a very interesting place to visit. In the centre of the room, there is also a pulpit with brass rails, a carved teak ark and an exclusive gallery for women that has gilt columns. The four scrolls of Torah (the first five books of Old Testament) that are housed in the teak ark are believed to be one of the most prized possessions of the synagogue. These scrolls are encased in silver and gold. There are also two gold crowns here. They were gifted to the Jewish community of Kochi by the Kings of Kochi and Travancore. The copper plates found here that have inscriptions in Malayalam can be dated back to the 4th century. An oriental rug gifted to the Jewish community by Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian Emperor, is also well preserved here. 

The 45 foot tall tower is in itself a sight to behold. It dates back to 1761 and each of its four faces has numerals inscribed in different languages including Malayalam, Hebrew, Arabic and Roman. In 2006 the World Monuments Fund (WMF) restored the tower along with an ancient brass bell which was remounted. 

The Mattancherry Synagogue is also home to a stone salvaged from the Kochangadi Synagogue which is believed to be the oldest synagogue in Kochi. It was completely destroyed in the 1700s by the invading Mysore army. Today the stone, with the date of its establishment inscribed on it (1344), is well preserved and on display on the outer wall of the Pardesi Synagogue. 

A beacon of cultural exchange and dialogue, the relevance of the Mattancherry Synagogue goes beyond religious beliefs or boundaries and extends a warm welcome to people of all faiths and backgrounds. The synagogue is, in every sense, a microcosm of the multiculturalism that defines Kochi. When you visit the synagogue be sure not to miss visiting the Jewish street nearby. Lined with antique shops, spice stalls and art galleries, it offers an immersive experience to all visitors and an insight into the tapestry of Jewish life in the city. 

Visiting Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 A.M. to 06:00 P.M.; Friday: 10:00 A.M. to 02:00 P.M.; Saturday Holiday