Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a historical palace located in Mattancherry, a neighborhood in the city of Kochi (Cochin) in the Indian state of Kerala. The palace is a popular tourist attraction and a significant historical monument in Kerala.
History:
The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and gifted to the King of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, as a gesture of goodwill. The original structure was a simple Portuguese style building. Later, in the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company made renovations and modifications to the palace, which earned it the name “Dutch Palace.”
Architecture and Design:
The Mattancherry Palace showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, combining elements of Portuguese, Dutch, and traditional Kerala architecture. The palace is a two-story building with a central courtyard. The roof of the palace is made of wood, featuring intricately crafted gables and sloping tiles.
The interiors of the palace are adorned with exquisite murals and frescoes that depict various scenes from the Ramayana and other mythological stories, along with portraits of the Cochin royal family. These murals are renowned for their artistic beauty and historical significance, providing insights into the cultural and historical heritage of Kerala.
Mattancherry Palace Today:
Today, the Mattancherry Palace is maintained and preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It serves as a museum that houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts, paintings, and other items that reflect the cultural and artistic heritage of the region. It is a popular destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and tourists visiting Kochi.
When visiting the Mattancherry Palace, visitors can explore the various rooms, view the captivating murals, and learn about the rich history of the region through the exhibited items. The palace offers valuable insights into the royal past of Kochi and stands as a testament to the influence of various cultures that have shaped the history of Kerala.
The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace situated in Mattancherry, Kochi
Mattancherry Palace also known as Dutch Palace is another great attraction of Kochi, which is only 450 meters away from the Paradesi Synagogue. The beautiful and traditional Kerala style architecture with four wings that open into a quadrangle, this palace is truly eye-catching. It lies just opposite the Boat Jetty, which was built by the Portuguese to compensate the destruction of the local temples. They presented this palace to the Indian King in 1555.
Even though Portuguese built it, Dutch renovated and gave their name to it. The floors of this palace are built by using organic materials such as plant juices, burnt coconut shells and egg whites. You can see several items belong to the royal family of Kochi in it such as antique weapons and period furniture. The exquisite murals that depict scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics are believed to be painted between the 17th and 18th century.
Mattancherry Palace is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm. You need to pay Rs.5/- to get entry to the palace.
Museum Visiting Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Museum kept open in all days except Friday
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 10 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 42 km
Location : Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002
Coordinates : 9.9583° N, 76.2594° E
Phone: 91 484 606 8716
Entry Fee : Rs. 5/-
