Jew Town, also called Jew Street, is a narrow street in Mattancherry, Kochi, between Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. Its antique and spice shops make it a distinct place to browse, with goods ranging from spice boxes and wooden carvings to vintage photographs and ceramics.
- Location: Mattancherry, between Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue.
- Known for: Spice trading, handicrafts and antique shops.
- Nearby landmark: Kadavumbhagam Mattancherry Synagogue is about 150 metres south of Paradesi Synagogue.
- Shop hours: Check Kerala Tourism’s official site before you go for current shop information.
Where are Jew Town’s shops clustered?
Jew Town’s shops cluster along Jew Street, the narrow lane between Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue. Kerala Tourism traces the area’s history to 1524, when the king of Kochi allocated land in Mattancherry to Jews from Kodungallore; the area later became known as Jew Town.
Large-scale Jewish migration to Israel in the 20th century left many dwellings unoccupied, and items from them helped spur the area’s antique trade. The Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, stands at one end of the street. For context on the landmark and the nearby palace, read this guide to Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue.
What can you find in Jew Town’s antique and spice shops?
Jew Town’s shops are known for spices, handicrafts and antiques, with stock that can include jewellery, wooden carvings, oil lamps, spice boxes, antique pieces and books. Kerala Tourism also describes vintage photographs, Chinese urns, door frames, glass and ceramic items, sculptures, chandeliers and embroidered garments among the goods displayed.
A notable attraction is a bronze vessel called a vaarpu, described as about three metres in diameter. The range of objects reflects the area’s antique trade as well as its spice-shopping reputation.
How can you make a walking loop through Mattancherry?
Jew Town’s position between Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue gives you a straightforward sequence for a walk: start at either landmark, browse Jew Street, then continue to the other. The Kadavumbhagam Mattancherry Synagogue is about 150 metres south of Paradesi Synagogue, so you can include it as a nearby stop.
Allow time to browse at your own pace; there is no standard time allowance for Jew Town’s shops. Kochi’s shopping areas also include Broadway Market, covered in this guide to Broadway Market Kochi.
What should you know about shop hours and responsible buying?
Before setting out, check Kerala Tourism’s official site for current shop information. The reviewed sources also do not establish current road-access, parking or pedestrian restrictions in Jew Town or Mattancherry.
Before buying antiques or wildlife-related goods, check India’s customs rules. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs lists antiquities and wildlife products among prohibited goods for export, and endangered plant and animal species, whether live or dead, among restricted goods. Its examples are not a complete list, and some goods are prohibited or restricted for import or export.
Paradesi Synagogue, at one end of Jew Street, is about an 11-minute drive from Edassery Mansion, a base for browsing Jew Town’s shops.
FAQs
What is Jew Town in Kochi known for?
Jew Town, or Jew Street, is known for spice trading, handicrafts and antique shops. Its goods can include spice boxes, wooden carvings, vintage photographs and ceramics.
Where is Jew Town located?
It is in Mattancherry, Kochi, on the narrow street between Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue.
Are Jew Town’s shops open every day?
Check Kerala Tourism’s official site for current shop information before visiting.