Synod of Diamper, Udayamperoor

A major share in changing history of Medieval Kerala.

 Convened by Portuguese Governor and Archbishop of Goa Dom Alexis de Menezes during 1599, The Synod of Diamper in Udayamperoor aka Udayamperoor Soonahdos in Ernakulam district of Kerala played a significant role in changing the approach of the Portuguese to the Muziris city and India. Earlier the foreigners focus was solely on spices and fighting obstacles for its trade. Foreign religion started taking interest in Muziris with the Diamper although the validity of the Synod is still questioned by many scholars.

 From the inside of the old church preserved as a Synod Museum today.

 Pieces of granite with ancient inscriptions in 'Vattezhuthu' known as rounded letters which originated from ancient Tamil people in south India and later supplanted by modern Tamil and Malayalam script.

The granite cross aka "Koonan Cross" which means the bent cross stands as a mark of revolt against western imperialism over Christianity. It is believed to be one of the first uprising of this kind by the Malankara christians, who are referred to as St. Thomas christians from Maliankara in Muziris were St. Thomas first arrived.

The river facing view of the old church complex which was the original entrance during the Muziris heritage period before the construction of the existing road.


















How to get there : The easiest route is via Tripunitura in Ernakulam district by taking the Ernakulam - Ettumanoor Highway. As shown in the map below, the church complex is on the right side of the highway soon after the Perumthrikovil Temple.

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