11. Palakkad Fort, Palakkad | Best places to visit in Kerala
Nestled amidst picturesque Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats, the Palakkad Fort, popularly known as ‘Tipu’s Fort’, was built in 1766 by the Mysore Sultan Hyder Ali, who was also Tipu Sultan’s father. The square-shaped fort with its thick granite walls and strong bastions displays the efficiency of French craftsmen and offers an interesting glimpse into Kerala’s past.
The mighty fort is spread over an area of 60,702m2 has significant ground in its premises that once used to serve as the stable for the horses and elephants that were a part of Tipu Sultan’s army. The fort that also contains smaller attractions like the Hanuman Temple, an open-air auditorium and a sub-jail had once fallen under the power of the British. This fort is a must-visit place for all architects in Kerala.
12. Paradesi Synagogue, Kochi
The Paradesi Synagogue, also known as the ‘Mattancherry Synagogue’ was built by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, and Joseph Levi in the year 1568 to accommodate the flourishing community of Jewish people in that area. The synagogue which boasts of having interiors decorated with attention-grabbing elements like glass chandeliers and vintage lamps, houses several relics like the ‘Scrolls of the Law’ and gold crowns received as gifts.
The 18th-century clock tower present in the building, along with its other parts, was restored from 1998 to 1999, under the instructions of the ‘World Monuments Fund’. This building is open to the public as a historical attraction for a fee, an opportunity that should be utilized by architects to visit this place.
13. Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Thrissur | Best places to visit in Kerala
The Shakthan Thampuran Palace, built in the year 1795 in the town of Thrissur is an amalgamation of Kerala and Dutch style of architecture. The palace once belonged to the ruling dynasty of Kochi and served as the centre of power between AD 1790 and 1805 for King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of Kochi at that time.
When the building came under the archaeological department of the state in 2005, it was converted into a museum that showcases statues and antique relics from different eras that reflect Kochi’s history. This palace is a must-visit for all architects.
14. St Francis Church, Kochi
Built in 1503, the St. Francis Church located in Kochi is the oldest European Church in the country and one of the most historically significant places in Kerala. The architecture of this ancient church depicts an old-world charm with its stained glass windows, gorgeous porticoes flanked with stepped pinnacle and antique collection of hand-operated cloth fans that are to date, worked upon manually with ropes on either side.
St. Francis Church is also popular for being the resting place of Vasco da Gama, the first Portuguese trader and voyager who landed on the Indian soil, who was buried on the grounds in 1524. Even though Vasco da Gama’s mortal remains were sent back to Portugal after 14 years, it continues to attract tourists.
The church is currently owned by CSI (Church of South India) and visitors are allowed every day except Sundays and holidays. Architects should visit this church.
15. Thalassery Fort, Thalassery | Best places to visit in Kerala
Built in 1703 by the East India Company to show the power of the imperial rulers, the Thalassery Fort is an ancient monument situated on a rocky cliff on Thalassery Beach. The fort, square in shape, is made up of laterite blocks, huge walls with holes of loops and artistically carved doors.
Now supervised by the Archaeological Survey of India, the fort has played an important role in the military and commercial activities of the British during the Colonial era. This place is one of the 15 ancient buildings in Kerala architects must visit.
References
15 Most Famous Historical Monuments In Kerala | Tours To Kerala. [online]. Available at: http://tourstokerala.org/famous-historical-monuments-kerala/ [ Accessed 25 March 2021]
Anil Rana. 15 Top Kerala’s Historical Places & Monuments You Must Visit | Tour My India. [online]. Available at: https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog/top-kerala-historical-places-monuments-must-visit/ [Accessed 25 March 2021]
Holidify.com. [online]. Available at: https://www.holidify.com/collections/historical-places-in-kerala [Accessed 26 March 2021]
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