Description of the attraction
The southwestern Indian state of Kerala is rich in a variety of architectural wonders built at different times. One of these famous landmarks is the Mattancherry Palace, better known as the Dutch Palace, located in the city of Kochi.
It was erected by the Portuguese mission back in 1555 as a gift to Raja Veer Kerala Varma. Later, in 1663, the Dutch East India Company made some adjustments and additions to the construction plan, and since then the name "Dutch" has been assigned to it. Subsequently, the palace was rebuilt and reconstructed many times, since this territory passed either into the possession of the Mysore rulers, or the British.
The palace is a large quadrangular building, built in a rather typical style for this state - nalukettu - with a large courtyard, in the center of which there is a small temple in honor of Pazhayanur Bhagavati (this goddess was considered the patroness of the royal family of Kochi). In addition, there are two more temples on the territory of the palace dedicated to the gods Shiva and Krishna.
Outwardly, the palace is not very impressive, but its frescoes and wall paintings make you really admire the skill of the artists who created them. These frescoes are made in the traditional style of Indian temples, in warm colors, mainly on a religious theme.
Of particular interest is the royal bedchamber. It occupies the southwestern part of the palace, and all its walls, as well as the ceiling, are covered with paintings - a total of 48 scenes from the Ramayana are depicted there.
At the moment, in the Mattancherry Palace, you can visit the art gallery located there, which houses an exposition dedicated to the rulers of the city of Kochi.
