Excursion
in Chidambaram
Tarangambadi
Once the site of a Danish settlement, Tarangambadi has the remains of the Dansborg
fort built by Ore Gedde, the commander of the Royal Dutch Navy, in the 17th
century.
The fort constructed in 1620 with two storeys was the most important building
which housed the top echelons of the Danish officials. Apart from the ramparts,
the rest of the buildings are in good condition.
The Church of Zion
The Church was built in 1701 in the corner of King Street and Queen Street.
After several modifications during 1782 - 1784 and 1800 - 1839, the Church as
it stands today has a vaulted roof and is very impressive.
The Gate
The 200-year-old Gate is of historical and architectural interest. The residents
of Tarangambadi have to pass through it on their way in and out of the town.
Masilamaninathar Temple
The Masilamaninathar temple was built in 1305 A.D. by the Pandya King Kulasekaran
and is of great architectural interest. There are several smaller shrines in
this temple complex.
Rehlings Gard
Another interesting building in Tranquebar is Rehlings Gard named after Johnnaes
Rehling who was the Danish Governor and owned the house between 1823 and 1841.
It presently houses the St. Theresa's Teachers Training College and well preserved.
British Collector's House
The British Collector's house on the eastern end of King street opposite to
the Dansborg fort is yet another important and impressive landmark. It is about
150 years old and is one of the largest buildings in the town with beautiful
round columns, a central courtyard and a garden at the back.
Efforts are on to restore all the monuments to their old glory and plans are
afoot to develop Tarangambadi into a modern tourist centre.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
