Saturday 28 June 2014

Kochi Ancient Buildings and Architecture

Cochin the melting pot of culture of Kerala is amongst the most successful commercial sector of entire India and also it is one of the most sought after destinations of Kerala.
History of fort Cochin is not just describe by its culture but the foreign invasion which led to the construction of many monuments and testimonies has made the city prosper and affluent.

Traveler must understand that the Cochin is nurtured by one of the best natural harbors of the world and the fishing net that you will witness was an advent of Chinese during the administration of Kubla Khan.

While walking around the historical lane of Cochin you will feel nothing but a share presence of legacy which is defined by its architecture, culture and many more. The foreign invasion especially of Dutch and Portuguese really enameled and decorated the grandeur of Cochin.

Walking Through Fort Cochin
Leisure and cordial environment of Cochin can be best enjoyed during the time of 9 am and 12 noon or between 3 pm and 6 pm. The street which is filled with bliss of serenity is observed by narrative accounts. While walking here we would suggest traveler to wear cotton outfits and light weight shoes or sandals to straw the brilliance of the surroundings.

Soon Nicolas Conti, the legendary Italian traveler expressed his view saying Cochin as one of the most amazing destination accessible by sea the fort Cochin found itself as a booming commercial sector and to participate in growing economy Europeans started trading with the locals.

It was during the course of 1341 AD disastrous flood floored the banks of the Cochin which fortunately resulted in developing land-locked areas where natural harbor had its sway. The effects of floods were so fruitful that it enticed traders and visitors from Arabs, China and Europe.

The Portuguese
While walking through the street of Cochin travelers would sense an essence of Portuguese as they were the first to discover the sea route of Fort Cochin. It was during the phase of 15th century the sea voyager Vasco da Gamma and valiant Cabral landed here and were influenced by the treasures of Malabar Coast.

Their growing trade relation helped them in obtaining permit from Maharaja of Cochin to structure Fort Immanuel in 1553. Traveler must understand that it was the first European fort and owing to its importance it has been preserve. Soon after they became friendly with the people they started developing houses, churches, monuments and many more.

The Dutch Designs
Aroma of treasure of Malabar Coast soon knocked the way of Dutch and they traveled here during the course of 16th century and further developed in fact designed most of the layouts of the town. It is believed that during their feud with Portuguese they cut down the fort to approximately a third of its authentic shape.  Traveler must understand that it was during the administrative line of Dutch the steps of Fort Cochin climbed the height of commercial success.

The British
The last phase of colonial rule was carried out by British during the call of 1795. After an advent of British the colonials started developing the outpost of administration along with trade and commerce. 

Detours into The Past
As mentioned above Cochin is the melting pot of culture of Kerala traveler must take an initiative to walk further to witness other colonial contribution which facilitated the route of progress and development.  Walk through the historic Jewish settlements of Mattancherry which is located at a distance of around 2.5 km from here. The Dutch palace and the Jewish synagogue you will witness reflects the glorious days of past.

Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco Da Gamma Square
The humongous Chinese fishing nets describes the legacy of premier visitor to Malabar Coast who took an initiative to grab a spot for Chinese fishing nets during the course of 13 to 14th century. It was trader from the court of Kubla Khan who set up the nets on teak wood and bamboo poles.

Santa Cruz Basilica
Santa Cruz Basilica was structured by the Portuguese and was elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV during 1558. Although the walls of the church after coming into administrative line of British was brutally demolished in 1795 but again in 1887 the church was re-established by Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira at the same site. After the inauguration of the newly established church it was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

St. Francis church
St. Francis Church which is the oldest European church in India was again structured by Portuguese during 15th century to root their influence within the surroundings of Cochin. During its inception the church was established by utilizing the source of timber but later the church was refurbished by using stone. The church after its establishment went through restoration in 1779 and was made the hub of protestant but soon after the colonial calls of British the church was converted into Anglican in 1795. Traveler must understand that the legendary Vasco Da Gamma was buried here in 15th century.



The Dutch Cemetery
 The Dutch cemetery is a fine example of sacrifice which was made by the Dutch people to expand their colony within Kerala. The tomb stone you will witness here defines the history of the Dutch and owing to its importance the graveyard was sanctified in 1724 and at present is operating under the Church of South India.

Jewish Synagogue
Jewish synagogue which literally means the prayer house of the Jews people was established in 1568. The historic synagogue is embellished by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers beside that it’s amazing clock tower, gold and silver crowns compliments the brilliance of the synagogue. Traveler must understand that the famous Giant scrolls of the Old Testament are nestled within the walls of the synagogue.

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