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    Dutch Square

    Malaysia

    Dutch Square

    Point of InterestCulture

    The Dutch Square is the heart of Melaka's Old Town. Surrounding the square are the red-painted buildings from the Dutch era: the Stadthuys, formerly the governors' administrative seat, and the Christ Church from 1753.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Malaysia
    7. Melaka
    9. Dutch Square
    The Dutch Square is the heart of Melaka's Old Town. Surrounding the square are the red-painted buildings from the Dutch era: the Stadthuys, formerly the governors' administrative seat, and the Christ Church from 1753. From the British period come the clock tower, built by merchant Tan Jiak Kim in 1886 in honor of his father Tan Beng Swee, and a fountain commemorating Queen Victoria.In front of the church, trishaws await, bicycle rickshaws adorned with plastic flowers, fairy lights, and loud music. Early in the morning, you'll have the square almost to yourself.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Muzium Seni Bina Malaysia

    1Muzium Seni Bina Malaysia

    The Architecture Museum is located in a historic house between Dutch Square and St. Paul's Hill. Models, photos, and components show how traditional Malaysian building methods evolved, with carvings, tools, and building materials.
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    Menara Taming Sari

    2Menara Taming Sari

    A fully glass-encased cabin slowly ascends the observation tower, rotating as it goes. Up top, you'll see the Old Town, the river, and the coast along the Strait of Malacca. The ride takes just a few minutes, most beautiful in the late afternoon.
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    Stadthuys
    Museum

    3Stadthuys

    The Dutch built the Town Hall around 1650 as the official residence for their governor and his deputy; later, the British also used it for their administration. Since 1982, it has housed the Museum of History and Ethnography, featuring costumes, furniture, and objects from all eras of the city. In front of it stand the Clock Tower and the Queen Victoria Fountain.
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    Christ Church
    Church

    4Christ Church

    The Dutch laid the foundation stone for the red-painted church in 1741, a hundred years after the conquest of Melaka, and completed it in 1753. Originally Dutch Reformed, it is now an active Anglican church. Inside, wooden beams, each from a single tree trunk, support the approximately twelve-meter-high ceiling. The church is closed on Mondays; otherwise, you can visit it during the day outside of services.
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    City walks in Dutch Square

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Red Traces of History: A Walk Through Malacca's Colonial Heritage

    Discover Malacca's rich history on this two-and-a-half-hour walk. Begin at the iconic Red Square and immerse yourself in the city's layered past, from Dutch and Portuguese influences to the vibrant Peranakan culture. Experience architectural wonders and cultural harmony.

    ~2 Std. 30 Min.
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    Essen & Trinken

    Chronicle

    In 1641, the Dutch conquered Melaka from the Portuguese and built their administrative center around this place. The Stadthuys was built around 1650 as the Governor's official residence; since 1982, it has been a museum. The Christ Church was built from 1741 to 1753.Following the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, Melaka fell to Great Britain. From this period date the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower (1886) and the Queen Victoria Fountain (1901), commemorating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

    Exploring Locally

    The Old Town is compact, best explored on foot. For a Trishaw ride, agree on the price before you start. From Melaka Sentral bus station, you can get here by Grab or city bus.

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    Nearby

    Melaka

    Melaka

    Melaka was one of Asia's most important ports in the 15th century. Portuguese, Dutch, and British left their mark on the Old Town, while Chinese, Indian, and Malay communities built their temples, mosques, and kitchens. Since 2008, the Old Town, along with George Town, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.The distances are short: From the red Dutch Square, you cross the river to Jonker Street or head up St. Paul's Hill. Two days are enough for the city; many visit as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur.
    Melaka River

    Melaka River

    The Melaka River was for centuries the lifeblood of the port city. Today, a riverside promenade passes restored warehouses, cafes, and large murals. At night, the banks are illuminated, and tour boats slowly cruise by.Upstream is the Malay village Kampung Morten with its wooden houses. You can easily explore the route on foot or by boat in one evening.
    St. Paul's Hill & A Famosa

    St. Paul's Hill & A Famosa

    The St. Paul's Hill, known in Malay as Bukit St. Paul, is the historical heart of Melaka. Around the hill, the Portuguese built their fort A Famosa after 1511. On its summit stands the ruin of St. Paul's Church, while at its foot are the Porta de Santiago gate and several museums.The ascent takes only a few minutes. From the top, you have a view over the rooftops of the old town.
    Jonker Street

    Jonker Street

    The Jonker Street, officially Jalan Hang Jebat, is the main street of Melaka's Chinatown. In the narrow shophouses, you'll find antique shops, cafés, galleries, and food stalls. In the parallel street, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, a mosque, and a Hindu temple stand just a few steps from each other.From Friday to Sunday evenings, the street transforms into a night market. During the week, it's quieter, allowing you to peacefully admire the facades.
    Little India (Melaka)

    Little India (Melaka)

    Melaka's small Indian Quarter is located a few minutes' walk north of Dutch Square. In the shophouses, vendors sell saris, Punjabi suits, fabrics, and spices, interspersed with banana leaf restaurants. Not far away stands St. Peter's Church, dating from 1710.The quarter is smaller and quieter than Little India in Kuala Lumpur, but is well-suited for lunch away from the main tourist routes.

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