Heritage Walk in Jew Street

This is the clock tower that Ezechiel built.…

Clock Tower - Paradesi Synagogue Kochi

in the 18^th century, Ezechiel Rahabi was plying his spice trade alongside the Konkani community in Kochi. He made a killing in exporting pepper after the collapse of Persia and Surat which had been the main centres for its trade. He set up the Clock Tower as part of the Jewish Paradesi Synagogue.

It is a 4 faced clock tower, each side facing a different direction that seems to be a microcosm of the history of this settlement called Jew Town in what is now old Kochi.

·             One side faces the sea and is blank, perhaps a reminder of the Malabar coastal origins of the Malabari Yehudan (Jews) persecuted under Portugese rule

·             One side aligns with the palace of the Raja of Cochin who gave the Jews refuge

·             One side faces the Paradesi Synagogue, the heart and soul of the Jewish faith

·             One side faces the Jew Street that became the centre of Jewish trade

Going There

It’s in Mattancherry area in Kochi close to Fort Kochi. Take the ferry as the ferry point is bang next to the beginning of Jew Street.

Clock Tower Paradesi Synagogue Kochi