Attractions in Fort Cochin
Attractions
In and around Cochin are several cities of monumental value, but step into Fort Cochin, and you are in a totally different world where time stands still. The Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Portuguese and British Architecture, all finely blend with the rich heritage of the land, intricately woven with folklore and fact.
Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gamma Square
These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the Court of Kubla khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the net being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is Vasco da Gamma square, a narrow promenade that runs along along the Beach.The square is an ideal place to idle with stalls serving fresh delicious sea food and tender coconuts.
Pierce Leslie Bungalow
This charming Mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of Fort Cochin Colonial Bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. Water front verandas are always an added attraction to such houses.
Old Harbor House
This house that was once a boat house and built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co.,renowned Tea brokers, who now use it as their residence.
Koder House
This magnificent building constructed by Samuel. S. Koder of the Cochin Electric Company in 1808 is a supreme example of transition from colonial to Indo-European Architecture. Features like Veranda Seats at the entrance, floor tiles set in a chess board pattern, red colored brick like façade, carved wood furniture and a wooden bridge connecting to a separate structure across the street are unique to this Bungalow.
Delta Study
Once a warehouse, this heritage Bungalow built in 1808 is presently a high school with the same name.
Santa Cruz Basilica
This historic Church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Cochin, and was demolished.In 1887 Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site. The Church has since been proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.
Tags: God’s Own Country, Vallarpadam Terminal
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