One of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street
with its European style residences still retains its old world charm. The best
view of this quaint street can be had from Loafer's Corner, the traditional
meeting place and hangout of the jovial funloving people of the area.
Vasco House
Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the
oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. Built in the early sixteenth century,
Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum
verandahs characteristic of the times.
VOC Gate: The large wooden gate facing the Parade Ground, with the monogram
(VOC) of the once mighty Dutch East India Company carved on it, was built in
1740.
Parade Ground: The four acre Parade Ground was where once the Portuguese,
the Dutch and the British colonists conducted their military parades and drills.
The buildings around the ground housed their defence establishments. Today,
the largest open ground in Fort Kochi, the Parade Ground is a sports arena.
The United Club: Once upon a time one of the four elite clubs of the British
in Kochi, the United Club today serves two roles - as class room for the nearby
St. Francis Primary School by day and as card room for the current members by
evening. Until 1907, the building housed the offices of the Fort Kochi Municipality.
The Bishop’s House: Built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese
Governor, the Bishop’s House stands on a little hillock near the Parade
Ground. The facade of the House is characterised by large Gothic arches, and
has a circular garden path winding up to the main entrance. The building was
acquired by Dom Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Kochi
whose jurisdiction extended over Burma, Malaya and Ceylon, in addition to India.
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