Mattanchery Palace
Mattanchery Palace, a monument of historical value, was shaped out by Portuguese in 1555. The Palace is located in Mattanchery which is about 8-km from Ernakulam. Mattanchery is a known trading centre since long and is cosmopolitan.
The Oriental styled Palace is unique in architectural point of view. Many years later in 1663 the Palace was remodeled by Dutch and it is known as Dutch Palace thereafter. In the remodeling a great amount of improvements went into. The Palace is a hallmark of unique mythological murals in India. The Palliyara (Royal bed chamber) is stunning – one can easily grasp the entire story of Ramayana from the walls. Traditional flooring which is unique in all aspects is sighted here. It is made of burned coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg-whites, but many mistook it as polished single piece of black marble. It is said, such flooring techniques were employed only in Kerala and nowhere else in the world.
After renovation the Palace was presented to the Kerala Varma Maharaja, the then ruler of Cochin, by the Dutch. Maharaja used it as the Royal House and Coronations used to be held here.
The two-tiered quadrangular Palace is spacious. Its halls are long and roomy. There is a central court-yard where the Royal deity, Palayannur Bhagawati is housed. Ground floor is christened as Ladies Chamber which is linked by a staircase to Karithalam room. Coronation Hall, Dining Hall, Bed Chambers, Assembly Hall and the Staircase room are in the upper storey. Coronations are conducted in the square shaped eastern portion of the Coronation Hall. Western portion is earmarked for distinguished guests. Artistically wood-carved floral designs and Adhopadma (inverted lotus) beautify the ceiling.
Numerous brass cups decor the Dining Hall ceiling. The ceiling of Assembly Hall is different from other ceilings but looks ornamental.
In addition to the temple in central courtyard there are two more temples on either side of the Place. One is of Lord Sri Krishna and the other is of Lord Shiva.
A visit to the Palace is rewarding for its mythological murals, historical and architectural value and heritage value.
Sightseeing
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Princess Street
- St Francis Church
- Fort Cochin Waterfront
- Dutch Cemetary
- Cochin Carnival
- Jew Street
- Pardesi Synagogue
- Mattancherry Palace
- Fort Cochin Accommodation
