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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