Paradesi Synagogue

Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, built in 1568 by the Malabar Paradesi Jewish community who settled in Cochin fleeing persecution. The synagogue is famous for its remarkable hand-painted Chinese floor tiles — each tile unique — its magnificent Belgian crystal chandeliers, and the gold crown of the local Jewish king Cheraman Perumal displayed within. The synagogue is an active place of worship for the tiny remaining Cochin Jewish community (now numbering only a handful) and is one of Kochi's most significant heritage sites.