India - Kerala - Mattanchery Palace, Ernakulam

Mattanchery Palace was built around 1555 A.D. by the Portuguese. It is a two tiered quadrangular building consisting of long and spacious halls. The central open courtyard enshrines the tutelary diety of the royal family "Pazhayannur Bhagwati". The upper story consists of a coronation hall, bed chamber known as Ramayana room, dining hall, assembly hall and the staircase. There is also a chamber in between the first floor and the ground floor used as "harem" by the rulers. The wooden roof supported by laterite walls is covered with tiles. The first floor is formed by teak wood beams and rafters and planks. The ceiling of the first floor is unique with intricate carvings especially over the central coronation hall.