Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
239
Porta de Santiago (A Famosa)
Once the site of a P ortuguese fortress called A
Famosa, all that remains today of the fortress is the entrance gate, which was saved from
demolition by Sir Stamford Raffles. When the British East India Company demolished
the place, Raffles r ealized the ar ch's historical v alue and sav ed it. The fort was built in
1512, but the inscription above the arch, “Anno 1607,” marks the date when the Dutch
overthrew the Portuguese.
Located on Jalan Kota, at the intersection of Jalan Parameswara. Free admission.
Portuguese Settlement and Portuguese Square
The Portuguese Settlement is
an enclave once designated for Portuguese settlers after they conquered Melaka in 1511.
Some elements of their presence remain in the Lisbon-style architecture. Later, in 1920,
the area was a Eurasian neighborhood. In the center of the settlement, Portuguese Square
is a modern attraction with P ortuguese restaurants, handicrafts, souv enirs, and cultural
shows. It was built in 1985 in an ar chitectural style to r eflect the surrounding flavor of
Portugal.
Located down Jalan d'Albuquerque off of Jalan Ujon Pasir in the southern part of the city. Free admission.
St. Francis Xavier's Church
This church was built in 1849 and dedicated to S t.
Francis Xavier, a Jesuit who brought Catholicism to Melaka and other parts of Southeast
Asia.
Located on Jalan Laksamana. Free admission.
St. John's Fort
The fort, built by the Dutch in the late 18th centur y, sits on top of
St. John's Hill. Funny how the cannons point inland, huh? At the time, threats to the city
came from land. It was named after a P ortuguese church to St. John the Baptist, which
originally occupied the site.
Located off Lorong Bukit Senjuang. Free admission.
13
St. Paul's Church
The church was built b y the P ortuguese in 1521, but when the
Dutch came in, they made it par t of A F amosa, conv erting the altar into a cannon
mount. The open tomb inside was once the resting place of St. Francis Xavier, a mission-
ary who spr ead Catholicism thr oughout Southeast Asia and whose r emains were later
moved to Goa.
Located behind Porta de Santiago. Free admission.
SHOPPING
Antiques hunting
has been a major draw to Melaka for decades. Distinct Peranakan and
teak furniture, porcelain, and household items fetch quite a price these days, due to a
steady increase in demand for these rare treasures. The area down and around Jalan Hang
Jebat and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok called
Jonker Walk
sports many little antiques shops
that are filled with as many gorgeous items as any local museum. You'll also find hand-
made crafts, ready-made
batik
clothing, and other souv enirs. Whether you're buying or
just looking, it's a fun way to spend an afternoon.
For crafts and souvenirs, you'll also find a row of shops along the lane beside tadthuys.
Most prices seem fair, but you may need to do a little bargaining.
