Culture, cuisine, and architecture mark the characteristics of a place to a large extent. Similarly, the cuisine, culture and architecture of Kochi speak volumes about the character of Kochi in the state of Kerala. On your tour to Kochi you ought to visit the various tourist attractions to soak in the flavor of the place.

Situated in the district of Ernakulam, around 220�km to the north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi has been influenced extensively by the Portuguese culture. Fort Kochi in Kochi happens to have been the first European colonial settlement in India. From 1503 to 1663, Fort Kochi was ruled by the Portuguese and accordingly, they have had tremendous influence in the culture, lifestyle and art and architecture of Kochi as well. However, there are influences of the Dutch also as they ruled the region later on.


St. Francis Church:
Famous for having contained the remains of the great Vasco da Gama at one point of time, St. Francis Church was built by the Europeans. Actually the Portuguese trader was visiting Kerala for the third time when he fell ill and died in Kochi. He was subsequently interned in the St. Francis Church. Nevertheless, later still, his remains were taken back to his homeland in Portugal. Till the present day, this church has the burial spot distinctly marked and is one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Cochin.

Vasco House:
Situated on Rose Street, Vasco house is supposed to be one of the most ancient Portuguese houses in India. Vasco da Gama is said to have resided here. The house has beautiful European glass paned windows and verandahs.

Dutch Palace:
Originally built by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, located in Mattancherry, was afterward, in 17th century, modified by the Dutch and was presented to the Raja of Kochi. The palace has been witness to the coronation of many of the Rajas of Kochi. It is home to a fine collection of mural paintings illustrating scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry:
Situated near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, the synagogue, constructed in 1568, is beautifully decorated by Chinese tiles and huge Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament are found here.

Santa Cruz Basilica: Erected by the Portuguese in 1505 and christened as a cathedral in 1558, the original church of Santa Cruz Basilica was renovated in 1905 after the British colonists had ruined the cathedral in 1795. In 1984 it was eventually raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II.

Evidently, most of the structures and buildings, that are a part of the Kochi architecture, reflect a strong Portuguese flavor in their architectural details.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information on Architecture of Kochi on your tour to Kerala India.

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