About Indo-Portuguese Museum
The Indo-Portuguese Museum is located within the historic Bishop's House in Fort Kochi, Kerala. Established in 2000 by the late Dr. Joseph Kureethara, it showcases the rich cultural heritage and Portuguese influence on the region's art, architecture, and religion. The museum features artifacts such as a 16th-century teak altar, silver processional crosses, and vestments from various churches in the Kochi diocese.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore five main sections: Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life, and Cathedral. The museum displays religious artifacts including a 16th-century teak wood altar piece from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, a 17th-century silver and wood processional cross from Santa Cruz Cathedral, and various chasubles and sculptures. The setting is a quiet corner of the historic Bishop's House compound.
Key highlights
- 01
16th-century teak wood altar piece from Church of Our Lady of Hope
- 02
17th-century silver and wood processional cross from Santa Cruz Cathedral
- 03
Five curated sections: Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life, and Cathedral
- 04
Historic Bishop's House building dating back to 1506
- 05
Artifacts contributed by famous churches of the Kochi diocese
History of Indo-Portuguese Museum
The museum is housed in the Bishop's House, built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor. It was established in 2000 by the late Dr. Joseph Kureethara, Bishop of Kochi, to protect and showcase the Portuguese cultural heritage in the region. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Lisbon provided technical and financial assistance for the museum.
Culture & Context
The museum serves as a testament to the enduring cultural exchange between India and Portugal, dating back over 500 years to Vasco da Gama's arrival in 1498. It preserves the artistic and religious legacy of the Indo-Portuguese community through sacred art, vestments, and architectural elements from historic churches.
Route
| By air |
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