Insights of the past can be gleaned from Melaka's ancient relics that abound in the historical city.
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Porta de Santiago (A'Famosa) This prominent landmark in Melaka was a fortress built by the Portuguese admiral, Alfonso d'Albuquerque in 1511. It was badly damaged during the Dutch invasion in 1641. Timely intervention by Sir Stamford Raffles, a British official, in 1808 saved what remains of the A'Famosa today. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2883599
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St. Paul's Church The church was built on a hill in 1521 by Duarte Coelho, a Catholic Portuguese captain. It was later renamed St. Paul's Church by the Dutch. St. Francis Xavier was buried n the open grave here in 1553 before his body was transferred to Goa in India. The church has a commanding view of Melaka. Tel: 06-2883599 St. Francis Xavier's Church
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St. Peter's Church Built in 1710 during the Dutch occupation, it is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Malaysia. It was built on a piece of land donated by a Dutch gentleman, Maryber Franz Amboer. Its facade and decor is a combination of Eastern and Western architecture. One of its bells was cast in Goa in 1608. The church is the venue for events like Good Friday, Easter Sunday processions and San Pedro's feast. Tel: 06-2822950
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The Stadthuys A major landmark in Melaka, the Stadthuys was built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch governors and their officers. Believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East (circa 1641 and 1660), the Stadthuys houses the Museum of History and Ethnography. Originally white, it was given a striking salmon-red colour to match the nearby Christ Church. Opening hours (Museum of History and Ethnography): 9am - 5pm (Weekdays) 9am - 9pm (Weekends) Admission fee: Adult RMS, Children RM2 Tel: 06-284 1934
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Christ Church Situated adjacent to the Stadthuys, this bright red structure is testimony to Dutch architectural ingenuity. Interesting features include the church's handmade pews, ceiling beams (constructed without joints), brass bible, tombstone (with Armenian inscriptions) and 'The Last Supper'in glazed tiles. When the British arrived they turned the building into an Anglican church and added a weathercock as well as a bell tower. Tel: 06-2848804
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Dutch Cemetery The Dutch Cemetery was first used in the last quarter of the 17th century. Five Dutch graves and 33 British graves lie within its compound. Its use was in stages, between 1670 - 1682 and in 1818- 1838. The cemetery was gazetted as a national monument under the Antiquities Act 1976. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2883599
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St. John's Fort The fort is located on St. John's Hill, 3km from the city. It was originally a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Built by the Dutch during the third quarter of the 18th century, its cannon embrasures face inland as during that time, attacks on Melaka came mainly from hinterland instead of from the sea. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2883599
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Bukit Cina As the name implies, 'Chinese Hill' was the official settlement of the entourage that arrived with the Chinese Princess Hang Li Po. She was sent to Melaka by the Ming emperor to marry the Sultan, marking the advent of diplomatic relations between Melaka and China. The entourage stayed on this settlement until the Portuguese occupation in 1511. Today, Bukit Cina is believed to be one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside China with many of the tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2829343 Hang Li Po'sWell Built by the followers of Hang Li Po, the well was the only source of water during great droughts. The Dutch enclosed it with stout walls to reserve it for their exclusive use. Today, it enjoys a reputation as a wishing well. Opening hours: 7am - 7pm |
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British Cemetery The decision to impose tax on the Naning district by the British caused resistance by the locals led by Dato'Dol Said. However, the latter lost the war and many perished. The British soldiers who died fighting Dato'Dol Said and his men were buried in this cemetery. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2883599
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Hang Tuah's Mausoleum This famous Malay warrior served as the admiral of Melaka's naval forces and defended successfully countless attacks against Melaka. The outstanding military exploits of Hang Tuah and his four comrades -Hang Jebat, Hang Lekiu, Hang Lekir and Hang Kasturi, made him a legend in the history of Melaka. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2883599
Hang jebat's Mausoleum Hang Jebat was one of the five legendary warriors of Melaka. He was killed in a duel with Hang Tuah, the leader, for betraying the ruler, Sultan Mansor Shah, whom they had sworn to serve. Hang Jebat lies buried here in Kampung Kuli. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2883599 |
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Hang Tuah's Well This well is located in Kampung Duyong, where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood with four of his good friends. They later became the famous knights of Melaka. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2827464
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Dato' Dol Said's Mausoleum Dato' Dol Said, the ninth ruler of Naning, figured prominently in the Naning War against the British in 1831-1832. He defiantly opposed the imposition of tax on the district by the British. The war made Dato'Dol Said a hero of exceptional valour that earned him a permanent place in the history of Melaka. He was buried here at Taboh Naning, about 32km from Melaka city. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2883599
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Hang Kasturi's Mausoleum Hang Kasturi studied silat (Malay martial art) under the same tutelage as Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu. He became one of the knights who served Melaka together with Hang Tuah. Except for Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi and the others remained loyal to the Sultan to their dying days. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2883599
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Tun Teja's Mausoleum Tun Teja was the daughter of Sri Amar di Raja, the ruler of Pahang, who married Sultan Mahmud Shah. She died in Merlimau, about 24km from the city, while fleeing the Portuguese attack in 1511. Admission is free. Tel: 06-2827464
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