Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace, commonly called the Dutch Palace, is a historic royal residence in the Mattancherry area of Kochi (Cochin) in Kerala, India, originally constructed in 1555. It is noted for its mural paintings and displays relating to the local royal family.

The original structure was built in 1555 under Portuguese influence and later underwent repairs and alterations during the period of Dutch control in the 17th century, which led to the common name “Dutch Palace.” It served as a royal residence and administrative centre for the rulers of Cochin and later became a museum preserving the royal family’s artifacts.

The palace stands in the Mattancherry neighbourhood of Kochi on the southwestern coast of India, within the historic port area close to Fort Kochi and the backwater lagoon system.

• Name origin: Built by the Portuguese in 1555 and extensively altered by the Dutch in the 17th century, which is why it is commonly known as the Dutch Palace.
• Mural paintings: The palace's mural paintings are among the finest surviving examples of Kerala-style mural art and are concentrated in several small galleries.

What to See #

• Durbar Hall: Durbar Hall with carved wooden panels and a raised throne platform once used for royal ceremonies and receptions.
• Mural rooms: Mural galleries contain 17th-century and later painted panels illustrating scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and local court life.
• Palace courtyards: Series of courtyards and residential blocks organised around open spaces in the traditional Kerala palace layout.