Jew Street

Fort Kochi, located in Ernakulam district, Kerala, is a historic area renowned for its rich Jewish heritage. At the heart of this legacy lies Jew Town, also known as Jew Street, situated between Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. This vibrant street is famous for its spice trade, handicrafts, and antique shops. Notably, it is home to the world’s only active international pepper stock exchange. The Jewish community began settling in Kochi after fleeing the ancient port of Muziris, near Kodungallur, following a devastating flood in 1341. In 1524, the king of Kochi granted land to the Jews near his palace in Mattancherry, and this area later became known as Jew Town.