Paradesi Synagogue - Kochi, Kerala, India

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Kochi or Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala state of India, has a Jew population. Kochi has the oldest Synagogue (Jew temple) in the Commonwealth of Nations. The Synagogue is called in various names as the Paradesi Synagogue, Cochin Jewish Synagogue, or the Mattancherry Synagogue. 


The Synagogue is located on the site named Jew Town in Cochin. It was built by "white Jews", a mixture of Jews from the Middle East and European exiles, in 1568. As they were foreigners, the Synagogue got the name "Paradesi Synagogue" (Paradesi means foreigner in Indian languages). 


The Synagogue is elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved wood with blue and white ceramic tiles. None of these tiles resemble the other. Besides the attractive building and architecture, it also has a lot of stunning collections such as rolls of Old Testament, beautifully carved golden and silver crowns, etc. In the mid-18th century, the clock tower was attached to the main building. 


Paradesi Synagogue is definitely a must-visit in Kochi. 


Happy travelling.


Coorg



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