Mattancherry is the western part of city of Kochi. It is said that the name Mattancherry is drawn from "Ancherry Mattam", a Namboodiri illam which then the foreign traders pronounced it as Matt-Ancherry, gradually became Mattancherry. and it is also said that the 'street' ('cheri' in malayalam language) full of mutton butchers was known as mutton Cheri and gradually become mattancherry. It is about 9 km from Ernakulam town. Mattancherry is famous for Paradesi Synagogue. It is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue. It was constructed in 1568. The cancellation depicts 'Magen David' (Six pointed star) of the Mattancherry Synagogue. 'Magen David' is a generally recognized symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism.