From the ancient era, Ernakulam- the commercial site of Kerala, had traders coming from different parts of the world. Upon leaving India, they had left behind quite a number of significant landmarks on our Indian soil. Synagogues, churches, palaces, trade streets, etc in Ernakulam mark the bygone European era. One of the famous among these heritage buildings is Pallipuram Fort with abundant historical significance. Pallipuram Fort was built in 1503 by the Portuguese as a storage area for gunpowders and to check on the ships passing through Periyar to the Arabian Sea.
The fort was taken over by the Dutch in 1662 and later in 1789, the ruler of Travancore purchased the fort. After the decline of the Mysore rulers, the British took control over the fort, but gradually the fort lost its importance and the military force abandoned it. In 1964, the Pallipuram fort was declared as a protected monument by the Department of Archeology.
This 34-foot building has a shape of a hexagon, with its lowest floor raised upto the height of 5 feet. Laterite, mortar and wood were used in the construction of this hexagonal structure. It has a cellar for the storage of gunpowder and the cellar further opens to a passage. Local people believed that the passage was a secret tunnel to the Cheraman Masjid in Kodungallur.
Pallipuram fort obtained its name from the Manjumatha church nearby. The church was also built by the Portuguese at the same time as parallel to the fort. In Malayalam “Manju” means “snow or mist” and “Palli” means “church”. Since the fort was near the Palli, it got the name “Pallipuram”. The church is dedicated to the Lady of Mist. The legend associated with the church states that when the army of Tipu Sultan came to Kochi they arrived in this region to destroy the church. A miraculous mist raised out of nowhere and covered the whole church, making it invisible before the army, thus saving the church. Since then, Mother Mary has been worshipped as “Manju matha” by the local devotees.
Pallipuram Fort situated in the northern extent of Vypin island is a cultural charm, enriched in heritage. This European building brings forth a lot of ancient memories down the historic road. Visit the fort and experience the time spent in this European hexagonal unique structure.
Contact Details
Pallipuram Fort
Vypin, Kochi, Kerala 683515
