Mattancherry is a locality in the city of Kochi, India. It is about 9 km south-west from the city center. It is said that the name Mattancherry comes from "Ancherry Mattom", a ''Namboodiri illam'' which the foreign traders then pronounced it as Matt-Ancherry, gradually became Mattancherry. The place where erstwhile 'Ancherry Mattom' located is now a Tamil Brahmin settlement.Mattancherry, the western part of the corporation of Cochin, was once a bustling centre of trade, particularly in spices. Invasions from across the sea was frequent and the invaders left indelible marks on the landscape, culture, art and social history of the place.

Mattancherry welcomed every migrant community that came to her with warmth and provided them with ample opportunities to flourish. Thanks to the benevolence of the erstwhile kings of Cochin, many a community like that of Jews, Konkanis, Gujaratis, Jains and Marathis made the place their home.

Even today, Mattancherry has people of different tongues and ethnic identities. Churches, agraharams, mosques and a synagogue co-exist in the area, along with the buildings of the colonial era, pointing to a vibrant past and a harmonious present. Like in any other place in Kerala, people of various religious communities like Hindus, Muslims, Latin Christians and Syrian Christians co-exist in Mattancherry. Migrant communities such as Jews, Konkanis and Kutchi Muslims, though lesser in number, have also lived in Mattancherry for generations. These communities enhance the cosmopolitan ambience of Mattancherry.

Places to Visit around Mattancherry:

Mattancherry Palace: A synonym to the history of Mattancherry, this is the palace that has contributed much to the history of this region. An elegant gift to the then king, Veera Kerala Verma from the Portuguese traders, Mattancherry Palace is also called the ‘Dutch Palace’.

Jew Street: A walk through this bustling road would transport you back to a world of antiques and rustic charm. Once a prominent trading centre for the Jews, the street now houses colourful shops, food-joints, artefacts store, and lot more that resonates an old world charm.

Dharmanath Jain Temple: A sacred place for the Jain communities in Mattancherry, Dharmanath Jain Temple is a remarkable piece of architecture. Built mostly in white marble, this pious temple is a symbol of sanctity, peace, harmony, and devout feelings of the Gujrathi population settled in Mattancherry.

Police Tourism Station and Museum: There are only a handful places in the entire world that makes guests or visitors feel like home even while being away from home. Mattancherry is one among them! The Police Tourism Station and Museum is a place where tourists can get insights about Kerala tourism, visa and passport information, register complaints, get quick assistance, and lot more. The establishment also has a display of police uniforms, police combat weapons, armours, and other such antique belongings from different historical periods.

Coonan Cross Shrine:Located in the heart of Mattancherry, Coonan Cross Shrine is a major landmark to this region. It was in this place, where more than 25,000 Christians took religious oath of not following Latin Archbishops in the year 1653.

PazhayannurBhagavathi Temple: A sacred temple with Lord Krishan and Lord Shiva as the principal deities, PazhayannurBhagavathi Temple is located on either sides of the royal Dutch Palace. The temple also has Goddess PazhayannurBhagavathi, who is believed to be the protector of Kochi’s royal families.

JeevaMatha Church:A Portuguese architectural piece, JeevaMatha Church is another landmark in Mattancherry. A serene, calm, and pious Christian place of worship, the church is often visited by visitors from different background and of different faiths.