The kings of the Wodeyar dynasty, who founded the city around 1400, laid the foundation for the southern cultural capital Mysore is today. Ornate palaces and the Gothic St. Philomena's Church with its 175-foot spires pack a visual punch; local institutions keep Carnatic classical music and dance in the public eye. A prominent 11th-century temple sits atop 1,000 steps on the city's outskirts. Heritage explodes to life during the Dussehra festival, held for 10 days in October/November.