The synagogue of Cochin was built in 1568. But it was demolished by cannon fire during a Portuguese raid in 1662 and was reconstructed again two years later when the Dutch took over Cochin (Kochi).

This synagogue of Cochin had little place with hand painted, willow pattern floor tiles. In the mid 18th century, Ezekial Rahabi brought them from Canton in China. He also built the clock tower of this building.

In 1344, a synagogue was built at Kochangadi of Cochin disappeared. But, a stone slab can be found on the inner surface of the wall surrounding the Mattancherry synagogue. It bears the inscriptions in Hebrew. The surrounding are of the synagogue is known as Jewtown and is one of the centres of the Kochi spice trade. There are many small firms clustered together in old, dilapidated buildings. The air surrounding this is filled with the pungent aromas of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves.

Several Jewish names can be seen on these business premises and houses. Many antique shops can also be seen on the streets leading up to the synagogue.