Kochi is a city in India’s Southwest region. Also called Cochin, the city is an amalgamation of various cultures and ethnicities due to its harbor. Throughout history, the harbor has housed ships from the Chinese, the Arabs, and various European countries. These cultures are reflected in Kochi’s rich art, architecture, and religious sites. The city is also the “Queen of the Arabian sea”, due to its strategic importance in trade pre-dating even the Islamic era, even the Portuguese established strong trading ports. Its gentle sea breeze, its bustling art culture, and exquisite architecture make Kochi one of the places every architect must visit.
Kerala Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum is the only architectural museum in Kerala. It houses various stones, artifacts, wood and bronze sculptures, ancient paintings, jewelry, and more. Called an “Architectural Gallery” by the curators, it comprises mainly reconstructed elements from 25 heritage buildings all over Kerala. The whole installation – consisting mainly of wood- took 7 and a half years to complete with the efforts of over 62 carpenters who are masters in traditional carpentry. The museum is a gallery of architecture from its wooden floor to ceilings and even the roof.
Durbar Hall
The Durbar Hall and its grounds in Kochi host various cultural activities in the city. It’s a 2-acre area in the land on which the Durbar Hall gallery resides. For a long time this historically significant building – previously owned by the Maharaja, was left abandoned. In 2002, with the initiative of the District Tourist Promotion Council, the place was restored. Not only was the hall restored but a lot of funding went into beautifying its surroundings with green landscapes, walkways, open-air auditoriums, and other public-oriented facilities. The hall holds beautiful pieces of art and is restored to its previous glory with its new renovations.
Indo Portuguese Museum
The Indo-Portuguese museum in Kochi was established by the former Bishop of Kochi to showcase the importance and significance of Portuguese culture in Kochi, Kerala. One of the marvels in the Fort Kochi region the Museum showcases the rich heritage of the Portuguese through history and art. The museum itself is divided into five main sections- Treasure, Procession, Altar, Cathedral, and civil life. Each part is made heavily from wood and certain embellishments of silver.
The Mattancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace in Kochi is known for its Dutch influence in its architecture. It is one of Kochi’s most notable architectural designs with its traditional form infused with Dutch influence. Built-in 1545, it was presented to the King of the Kochi dynasty, by the Portuguese. A double-storied palace, it is adorned by a vast collection of murals that depict great Indian epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. It has iconic spacious halls and a courtyard that houses a deity of the Royal family.
The Kerala Kathakali Center
Established in 1994, The Kerala Kathakali center is known for its traditional dance form – The Kathak- which is over 300 years old. While the dance itself is mesmerizing, the architecture of the place is also quite intricate and detailed. Taking cues from Kochi’s pre-existing culture of using wood for the interiors – the whole stage backdrop is carved intricately from traditional wood. The rustic yet cozy appearance transports one back in time as the dance unfolds.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Kochi is only one of the total nine basilicas in the whole of Kerala. One of the finest heritage sites in Kochi, the structure stands out in its dazzling white against the canopy of trees that Kochi is scaped with. It has two spires that can be seen at a great distance, proving it to be a landmark to locals and tourists alike. It’s a structure that beautifully crafts architecture with its history and art. Following Europe’s Gothic style, it has arches and a visually impacting altar, along with its carved-out motifs, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is a place one must visit.
The Jain Temple
The Jain temple in Kochi was built in 1906. It was a place for the Jains coming down from Kutch down to Alleypey for work and business. The temple follows the traditional Jain temple building style. While there not be an elongated and spacious mandapa, it still follows the stepped roof; the Vimana up to the Shikara. The monochrome feat is also followed, something every Jain temple follows- reflecting on their simple lifestyles.
The Shiva Temple, Ernakulam
The Shiva temple in Kochi is incredibly sacred and shows up in multiple texts in Sangam literature. The word- Eere Naal Kulam means Pond, which always has water signified the scared ponds. In 1843, the second phase of the temple – to be reconstructed under the orders of the Diwan of Kochi started. Two new entrance towers or Gopuram Mandapams were constructed, following the traditional style of Kerala architecture. The new complex was opened to the public in 1846. Along with the sacred temple pond, there is also a 200-year-old banyan tree that locals consider holy.
The Eddapally Church Complex
The Eddapally church complex in Kochi is Asia’s largest church complex that is specifically dedicated to Saint George. Millions of people visit it every year even to date, even though it was founded in 593 AD. The Church has various sculptures and statues that elevate its ethereal design, one such statue is of St. George itself, on horseback – Stabbing a serpent under the hooves of his horse. The main altar was renovated in the 1970s and a picture of Mary was added to the church façade. It’s an octagonal-shaped church spanning over 88,000 square feet and is one of the largest churches in India to date. It blends Indian and European styles of architecture in the construction of churches. The altar- depicting both the old and new testament is surrounded by Vietnamese marble and is made of teak covered with gold foil which was imported from Italy. It has two bell towers and is the most historically significant church in India.
St. George Orthodox Church
St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church in Kochi is another church dedicated to Saint George. While it may not have the grandeur of the Edappally church, this church is equally distinctive like no other structure in Kerala. The church is built out of clay, keeping to the heritage of Kerala and the use of cement and steel is completely avoided.
Iringole Forest Temple
Camouflaged on all four sides by the forest, this temple has a quaint and fanciful quality to it. Away from the bustling urban city life and into the depths of the forest, the temple feels peaceful and otherworldly. It is the perfect example of architecture and nature being in sync.
The Backyard Civilization
While it’s easy to categorize The Backyard Civilization as another gallery, the space is the perfect artist hub. It’s a collective space for visual arts, language, theater, and sound. With various artists going in and out, the space to design and create is always thriving.
13. Jew Town
The Jew town in Kochi is a place filled with history, from old architecture decking the roads on either side and stores filled with handicrafts and antiques, and people moving with ease at their own pace the place feels like it has remained untouched by the fast hustle of today’s world.
St. George Church, Kadamattam
The Saint George Church in Kadamattam, Kochi is another differently built church. Mainly built of stone and roofed with terracotta, it also houses a tomb on the far left. There is a Persian cross made from a ninth-century Persian stone, the arms tipped with floral designs. Its architecture is a contrast to the other historic churches of Kochi.
15. The Princess Street
Princess Street in Kochi attracts tourists because of its art cafes, restaurants, and hostels. Thousands flock to this street every year. Known for its photo-centric scenes it’s a crowd favorite and one every designer must visit.
Citations:
Kerala folklore museum (2018). TREASURE FROM THE FORGOTTEN CENTURIES. [online]. Available at: https://keralafolkloremuseum.org/gallery/architecture [Accessed date: 22 October 2022].
Kerala Tourism. Indo Portuguese museum. [online]. Available at: https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/indo-portuguese-museum/336 [Accessed date: 22 October 2022].
Kerala Tourism. Mattancherry Palace. [online]. Available at: https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/mattancherry-palace-kochi/178 [Accessed date: 22 October 2022].
