At the end of a lane of spice shops and antique dealers in Mattancherry stands the Paradesi Synagogue — built in 1568 and, remarkably, still in use. It is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, and the heart of the quarter known as Jew Town.
- Built: 1568, in Mattancherry Jew Town.
- Known for: the floor of hand-painted blue-and-white Cantonese tiles, no two alike.
- Typical hours: roughly 10:00–12:00 and 15:00–17:00; closed Friday and Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath). Confirm locally before visiting.
- Etiquette: dress modestly, remove shoes where asked, and note that photography is usually not allowed inside.
Who were the Cochin Jews?
Kochi's Jewish community had two strands: the long-settled Malabari Jews, and the "Paradesi" (literally "foreigners") — Sephardic Jews who arrived later, many fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal, some via Aleppo and Safed. They built the synagogue in 1568 and made the surrounding lanes a thriving spice-trading quarter. The wider arc is in our history of Fort Kochi.
The famous tiles — and the clock tower
The synagogue's most celebrated feature is its floor: hundreds of hand-painted Chinese (Cantonese) tiles brought in the 18th century, each subtly different. Brass and glass oil lamps hang from the ceiling, and an 18th-century clock tower stands outside. Because the interior is small and sacred, photography is generally not permitted inside — look, don't shoot.
Make time for Jew Town itself
The approach is half the experience. Jew Town's lanes are the best place in Kochi to browse antiques, brassware and the spices that built the port. The Dutch Palace is right next door, so pair the two in a single Mattancherry trip — see how in our one-day itinerary.
Pair it with
Frequently asked questions
How old is the Paradesi Synagogue?
It was built in 1568 — over 450 years old — and is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.
What are the Paradesi Synagogue timings?
It is typically open around 10:00–12:00 and 15:00–17:00 and closed on Friday and Saturday for the Sabbath. Hours can change, so confirm locally before you go.
Can you take photos inside the Paradesi Synagogue?
Photography inside is generally not allowed. You can photograph the exterior, the clock tower and the surrounding Jew Town lanes.
What is Jew Town in Kochi?
It's the historic quarter around the synagogue in Mattancherry — once the centre of the Cochin Jewish community and the spice trade, now known for antique shops, spice traders and the synagogue itself.