Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

This place illustrates the importance of the Madurai had in the past. It was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the aid of an Italian architect. The palace is divided into two parts, Rangavilasa and Swargavilasa. Today only part of the building complex remains and nowadays you can visit the main Palace where the king lived. Once inside you have access to a large patio with pillars about 20 feet high. At the back is the throne room where you will find a large octagonal dome. To the right of this room is the Ballroom, which has now been converted into a museum, surrounded by columns and ornate plaster decoration.