The Portuguese colonised Melaka from 1511 to 1641. The first thing they did was build a fort overlooking the river, calling it A'Famosa. As Melaka was the centre of struggles between super powers of the time, and suffered the constant threat of attack, the A'Famosa fort was critical in Portugal maintaining its colonial foothold in the Far East.

Within the fort walls were housing and food stores, a castle, a meeting room for the Portuguese Council and five churches. A seven-month attack by the Dutch just about destroyed the entire fortress, leaving only the entrance faade and the structure of a church at the top of the hill.

Back to Melaka

Portuguese Square

St. Paul's Hill (A'Famosa)

Jonker Walk

Melaka River Cruise

Homestay Seri Tanjung

The Baba Nyonya Heritage
Museum

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