Built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Bishop’s House stands on a little hillock near the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi. 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. Adjacent to the Bishop’s House is the Indo-Portuguese Museum which houses precious artefacts collected from various churches under the Cochin diocese.
Standing amidst lush greenery with its distinctive large Gothic arches and pillars, the Bishop’s House exudes elegance that is enhanced with each passing century. Though the House has been subjected to many alterations by successive bishops since 1888, the basic structure has not been tampered with. The numerous expansive corridors, living rooms, wooden staircases, stained glass windows, marble plaque near the main staircase and so on have retained their unique charm.
Inside the Bishop’s House, there is a series of 36 paintings displayed on the large walls. These paintings depict events in history that led to the formation of Catholic Church in Kerala, right from the arrival of the Portuguese to the establishment and growth of the diocese. The Indo Portuguese Museum within the palace compound has some historically significant invaluable collections. There is also the dinning area, known as Dr. Mario Sorais Hall, senate hall, teak staircase, large attics, collection of Portuguese maps, small collection of antiques and the other historic materials preserved here. Visitors can explore its elegant interiors and picturesque surroundings, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Kerala’s rich heritage and culture.
