Places of Worship (Churches)

Visitors are advised to dress appropriately and to obtain permission to enter from church officials

o        St. Paul’s Church

The church was built on a hill in 1521 by Duarte Coelho, a Catholic Portuguese captain. It was later renamed St Paul’s Church by the Dutch. St Francis Xavier was buried in the open grave here in 1553 before his body was transferred to Goa in India. The church has a commanding view of Malacca.

Tel: 06-288 3599

o        St Francis Xavier’s Church

A Catholic French priest, Reverend Farve, built the Gothic-style church in 1849. He dedicated it to St Francis Xavier who was known as ‘The Apostle of the East’ for his missionary endeavours in Southeast Asia during the 16^th century.

Tel: 06-2824770

o        St Peter’s Church

Built in 1710 during the Dutch occupation, it is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Malaysia. It was built on a piece of land donated by a Dutch gentleman, Maryber Franz Amboer. Its façade and décor is a combination of Eastern and Western architecture. One of its bells was cast in Goa in 1608. The church is the venue for events like Good Friday, Easter Sunday processions and San Pedro’s feast.

Tel: 06-282 2950

o        Christ Church

Situated adjacent to the Stadthuys, this bright red structure is testimony to Dutch architectural ingenuity. Interesting features include the church’s handmade pews, ceiling beams (constructed without joints), brass bible, tombstone (with Armenian inscriptions) and ‘The Last Supper’ in glazed tiles. When the British arrived they turned the building into an Anglican church and added a weathercock as well as a bell tower.