Chinese fishing nets are a hallmark of Fort Cochin. They speak of the first traders who visited this coast during 1350 - 1450 A.D. These nets are built using teak wood and bamboo poles. They can be best viewed in use at 'Vasco Da Gama Square', at the seashore in Fort Cochin. From this same location, you can view the passing of ships into and from the Cochin port, which is a very busy port in South India. Jewish trading community built the Jewish Synagogue in 1568 A.D. It is famous for its eighteenth century Chinese hand painted, willow-patterned floor tiles, each tile being unique in design. Fort Cochin is the home to some of the oldest European architecture in India and has been a significant settlement ever since Cochin Harbour was discovered. Unlike the bustling Ernakulum, the twin cities of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry have preserved an extraordinary wealth of early colonial architecture spanning the Portuguese, Dutch and the British eras- a crop unparalleled in India. A day spent wandering the streets of Fort Cochin will be well spent. Some of the significant landmarks include Vasco da Gama's supposed house and several traders' residences.