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The Stadthuys (Town Hall) was completed in the 1650s and functioned as the official residence of Dutch Governors and their officers. The edifice is a fine example of Dutch architecture and is the oldest standing Dutch building in the orient. This building, perhaps the best preserved of the colonial structures, now houses the Malacca Historic and Ethnography Museum. Its exhibits trace the city's history from the time of the ancient Malay kingdoms through Portuguese, Dutch, and British occupation.

Christ Church

Built in 1753, this testimony to Dutch architectural ingenuity remains standing as it has always been. Take note of the church's handmade pews. The ceiling beams were shaped from a single tree and held together without a single nail! There is also a brass bible dating back to 1759 and believed to contain scriptures from the first verse of St. John. Furthermore, there is a tombstone written in Armenian and "Last Supper" in glazed titles.

Portuguese Square

Perhaps the right phrase to infer strong affinity to Portugal would be "Mini Lisbon". Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendor and colors.

St. Francis Xavier Church

Known as the "Apostle of the East", this church was built by a Frenchman in 1849. It is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier who is well-remembered for his missionary work in spreading Catholicism to Southeast Asia in the 16th Century.

A Famosa

After the Portuguese captured the city, they built a fortress to defend their position and called it A' Famosa. All that remains of it now is the entrance. The fortress itself suffered severe damages during the Dutch invasion. The Dutch later went about destroying remains of the walls. Hence, the visitor today sees only the entrance to what was once an imposing structure that defended the city from attacks.

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