Mattancherry Palace - Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mattancherry is an old neighborhood of Kochi full of colonial buildings. We can’t find it fascinating without getting into its history. Mattancherry Palace was constructed in 1555 by the Portuguese rulers as compensation to the ruler of Cochin kingdom for their trade relationship. The Dutch rulers took over the Kingdom from the Portuguese and did some modifications to it. From that time, it began to be known as Dutch Palace. Later it came under the rule of the British East India Company. The palace is a two floored building constructed in traditional Kerala style architecture. The ‘Nalukettu’ style, with a huge courtyard in the middle, replicates their art. A small temple for Goddess Bhagavathy (the family deity of the Cochin Kingdom) can be seen in the courtyard.

Two more temples can be seen on both sides of the palace, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. European style architecture is also visible in various parts of the building. The polished black marble look of the flooring is created by the amazing combination of charcoal, lime, burnt coconut shells, plant juices, egg whites etc. The walls of the palace are adorned with mythological mural paintings. The notable mural is in the Royal BedChamber with the entire story of Ramayana. The painting dates back to the early 17th and century. There are also intricate representations of Hindu gods and goddesses. The treasures housed in the palace are Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins with floral designs, silver sequined gowns, royal umbrellas, ceremonial royal swords and other royal paraphernalia. The weapons on display include sheathed swords, daggers, spears, etc.