Paradesi Synagogue - Kochi's Historic Jewish Heritage Site

Kochi, KeralaHERITAGE SITE

The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, known for its unique hand-painted Chinese floor tiles and Belgian chandeliers in Kochi's Jew Town.

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Info

HERITAGE SITE

Info

1 hour

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

The Paradesi Synagogue, located in the old quarter of Jew Town in Mattancherry, is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Constructed in 1568, it stands as a significant testament to Kochi's multicultural history. As you step inside, the atmosphere is quiet and reflective. The most striking feature is the floor, which is paved with hundreds of hand-painted blue and white porcelain tiles from Canton, China, each one distinct from the other. The main hall is illuminated by numerous Belgian and Italian glass chandeliers that hang from the high ceiling, adding to the historic ambiance. You can also see a brass-railed pulpit, several gold and silver crowns gifted by various patrons, and the Scrolls of the Law housed in the ark. The synagogue is an active place of worship for the small remaining Jewish community, so visitors experience a living piece of history rather than just a museum.

Why This Place is Special

• 18th-century hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles
• Elaborate Belgian and Italian glass chandeliers
• The 1760 Clock Tower with Malayalam, Hebrew, and Roman numerals
• Ancient Scrolls of the Law and historical copper plates
• Being the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations
• Its location within the historic and atmospheric Jew Town
• A quiet and reverent atmosphere

Ideal For

History enthusiastsArt loversSolo travelersCouplesSenior citizensPhotographers

Facilities & Amenities

• Lockers
• Information counter
• Seating areas
• Souvenir shops nearby

Visitor Tips

• Visit in the morning (10 AM - 1 PM) to avoid afternoon heat and peak tourist crowds.
• The synagogue is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and all Jewish holidays. Plan your visit accordingly.
• Photography is strictly forbidden inside the main prayer hall. Be respectful of this rule.
• Wear footwear that is easy to remove, as you must enter barefoot.
• Combine your visit with a walk through Jew Town to explore the antique shops and spice markets.
• Carry a small bag as large backpacks are not allowed inside
• lockers are available at the entrance.
• Read about the history beforehand to better appreciate the artifacts and the significance of the place.
• Respect the silence and solemnity as it is still an active place of worship.

Rules & Restrictions

• Strictly no photography or videography inside
• Remove shoes at the entrance
• Modest dress required: shoulders and knees must be covered
• No large bags or backpacks allowed inside
• Maintain silence within the prayer hall
• Do not touch the artifacts or tiles
• No food or drinks permitted inside

Safety Information

• The lanes of Jew Town are narrow and can be crowded
• be mindful of your belongings.
• Be cautious when buying antiques from local shops
• verify authenticity and bargain politely.
• Stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months.
• The floor inside the synagogue can be cool
• some may prefer to wear socks after removing shoes.
• Follow traffic rules if you are walking, as vehicles and pedestrians share the narrow streets.
• Trust only authorized guides if you choose to hire one.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy.

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Location & Address

Synagogue Lane, Jew Town, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002, Jew Town, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala, India

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit is from September to March when the weather in Kochi is pleasant and cool, with minimal rainfall. This period is perfect for walking around Jew Town and exploring the area. The peak tourist season is from December to January, so expect larger crowds. Avoid the hot and humid summer months of April and May, and the heavy monsoon season from June to August.
Peak Crowd: December-January, weekends, and public holidays due to peak tourist season and pleasant weather.
Moderate Crowd: October-November and February-March, during weekday mornings.
Low Crowd: April-June due to extreme heat and humidity, and July-September during the monsoon season.

How to Reach

Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 42 km away. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Mattancherry by taxi.

Train

Ernakulam Junction (South - ERS) and Ernakulam Town (North - ERN) are the main railway stations, both around 13-15 km away. You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the station.

Road

Kochi is well-connected by National Highways to major cities in South India. From within Kochi, you can drive or take a taxi to Mattancherry. However, the lanes in Jew Town are very narrow.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws and app-based taxis like Uber and Ola are widely available. A popular and scenic option is to take the public ferry from Fort Kochi to the Mattancherry jetty, which is a short walk from the synagogue. Local buses also connect to Mattancherry.