Attraction type: Melaka Churches, Christian Churches, Historical Landmarks

Churches in Melaka

Melaka is a sleepy city built on a rich historical background.  And so, in July 2008, it was honored as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Among the numerous astonishing historical buildings in Melaka, its churches are quite popular. These historical landmarks reveal Melaka History very well. The churches in Melaka include:

St Paul’s Church

The church was built by Duarte Coelho, a Portuguese captain. It was formerly a chapel named ‘Our Lady of the Hill’ by the Portuguese.  The Dutch later renamed it ‘St.  Paul’s Church’ and it was also turned it into a burial ground and fortress. Before being shipped to Goa, India, St. Francis Xavier was buried here in 1553.

Directions: The Church is located in the Dutch Square in Bandar Hilir.  Using a taxi, a trishaw, or a town bus from the bus stand, you can easily reach the church.

Nearby Attractions: Melaka’s Sultanate Palace (Muzium Istana) is located near St. Paul’s Church, as well as the Clock Tower and museums such as The Governor’s Museum, A Famosa/Porta de Santiago, The Kite Museum, The Stamp Museum, The People’s Museum, and many more.  Two of Melaka’s biggest malls are located within walking distance from St. Paul’s Church.  One of them is Dataran Pahalwan Mega Mall and another is Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall.

Christ Church Melaka

Built in 1753, the strawberry-colored church is a true demonstration of the Dutch’s architectural ingenuity.  It is located next to the Stadthuys, the official residence of Dutch Governors and their offices in 17^th Century, and the History and Ethnography Museum.

The characteristic feature of this church includes a brass Bible, tombstones written in Armenian, the ‘Last Supper’ in glazed tiles, and its ceiling.  The ceiling beams are made from handmade pews, without joints for over 15 m long, and made from a single tree.

Directions: The Church is located in the Dutch Square in Bandar Hilir. Using a taxi, a trishaw, or a town bus from the bus stand, you can easily reach the church.

Nearby Attractions: There are numerous museums worth visiting near the Christ Church Melaka, including the Museum of History and Ethnography, the Malaysia Youth Museum, and The Governor’s Museum.  There is also the famous Jonker Street nearby the church.  You can also catch the Melaka River Cruise as the terminal is within walking distance from Christ Church.

St. Francis Xavier’s Church

This Gothic-towered church was built in 1849 by a French priest, Reverend Favre, in honor of St. Francis Xavier.  St. Francis Xavier, also known as ‘Apostle of the East,’ was a Catholic missionary who was a prominent figure in spreading Catholicism in Southeast Asia during the 16^th Century.

Directions: The Church is located at 12 Jalan Bandar Kaba near the Art Gallery (PERZIM).

Nearby Attractions: The nearby attractions worth visiting are the Madona Building, the Malaysia Youth Museum, and the Art Gallery (PERZIM).

St. Peter’s Church

This church is the oldest Roman Catholic Church built during the Dutch occupation in Melaka, in 1710.  It was built on a piece of land donated by Maryber Franz Amboer.  The décor showcase the cultural mixture between the Eastern and the Western architecture.

Directions: The Church is located along Jalan Bunga Raya, near the Putra Specialist Hospital.  You can easily reach the church using a taxi, trishaw, or town bus, from the bus stand.

Nearby Attractions: The nearby attractions worth visiting are the Melaka’s Sultanate Palace, A Famosa/Porta de Santiago, The Governor’s Museum, Museum Rakyat (the People’s Museum), and the Pasar Besar Melaka for shopping lovers.