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Visit the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, known for its unique hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers in Kochi's Jew Town.
Discover what makes this destination truly special
The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, located in the historic Jew Town area of Mattancherry, Kochi. Built in 1568 by Spanish-speaking Jews, its name 'Paradesi' translates to 'foreigners'. Upon entering, visitors are required to remove their footwear, a practice that adds to the quiet and reverent atmosphere of the space. The main prayer hall is a visual marvel, though small in size. Its most striking feature is the floor, which is covered with hundreds of hand-painted blue and white porcelain tiles, each with a unique pattern, brought from Canton, China in the 18th century.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December-January, weekends, and public holidays, due to peak tourist season and pleasant weather.
October-November and February-March, particularly on weekdays.
April-September, during the hot summer and monsoon seasons when tourist footfall is lower.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹10
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹10
Per person
Opening Hours
10:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Open from Sunday to Thursday. The synagogue closes for a lunch break between 13:00 and 15:00. It remains closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and all Jewish holidays. Last entry is at 12:45 before the lunch break and 16:45 before closing.
A nominal fee of ₹10 per person is collected at the entrance for all visitors. It is advisable to carry exact change.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Synagogue Lane, Jew Town, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002
Coordinates
9.9575, 76.2593
Nearest City
Kochi
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, about 42 km away. A taxi from the airport to Mattancherry takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and Ernakulam Town (ERN) are the main railway stations in Kochi, both located about 14 km from Mattancherry. Taxis and auto-rickshaws a...
Kochi is well-connected by National Highways to major cities in South India. Regular state-run and private buses operate to Kochi. From within the city, Mattanc...
Auto-rickshaws and taxis are common modes of transport. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are widely used. The local ferry service from Fort Kochi to Mattanch...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Established in 1568, the Paradesi Synagogue was built by the Sephardic Jewish community that had settled in Kochi after being exiled from Iberia. It was constructed on land gifted by the Raja of Cochin, adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace. In 1662, the synagogue was partially damaged during a raid b...
The Paradesi Synagogue is significant as the oldest active Jewish house of worship in the Commonwealth of Nations. Its architecture is a unique testament to Kochi's history as a global trading port, blending Jewish traditions with imported elements like Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. It stan...
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