A 5-minute walk from Hatten Hotel where we were staying for our Malacca leg of the trip is the Portuguese A Famosa Fort Ruins and St. Paul’s Church Ruins, one of the surviving European architectural ruins in Asia. Together with the Dutch Square and the historical administrative buildings, they form the Malacca Museum Complex.
A Famosa Fortress
The fortress dates back to 1511 when the Portuguese settled in the city. It served as the eyes and protection of the city watching guard for any incoming enemy attacks. In 1641 the Dutch came and drove the Portuguese out of the area. They took over and renovated the fortress, expanded the city and ruled the area under the VOC flag (Dutch East India Company) for 183 years. In the early 19th century though the Dutch made a pact with the British and handed over the fort who later ordered it to be destroyed.
The gate standing now is the remaining fragment of the fort which was spared after the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles (the Brit who founded Singapore) who happened to be visiting Malacca at the time.
On this square where the fort ruins are located you will also find many of the garishly decorated trishaws parked. I wanted to try them actually but the parents thought it was a bit of a silly idea. Oh well…
St. Paul’s Church Ruins
Built in 1521 by the Portuguese, St. Paul’s Church ruins sits on top of St. Paul’s hill. Originally a Roman Catholic Church (Portuguese period), it later became Dutch Reformed when the Dutch took over. The church was also partly used as a graveyard by the Dutch. During the British period, the church was abandoned.
On top of the hill are nice views to the sea and the city.
Travel Period: August 2013
Destination: Malacca (Malacca), Malaysia
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