Jewish Synagogue Cochin
This ancient house of beauty, built in 1568 AD, is the oldest existing synagogue among all the commonwealth countries of the world. Because of this synagogue, Cochin is popularly called as Jew Town of Kerala. The major attractions of this synagogue are the 18th century clock tower, hand painted blue Chinese tiles, several gold and silver crowns and many more.
The synagogue was partially destroyed during the wars of 1662, but was later rebuilt by the Dutch. Along with it came a few additions to the basic synagogue, and it was designed more beautifully than the previous one. The synagogue still has records of Kochi rulers on copper plates.
There are several business sites and buildings based on Jewish names. There are also a few Jewish families who still survive in Kerala. The Pardesi Synagogue is located in the Jew Town (Pardesi means foreigner). Its floors are made of pale azure and milky white hand-dyed floor tiles. The ancient work of architecture has been marveled by one and all. |
