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Lying between the
states of Negeri Sembilan and Johore on the West Coast of
Peninsular Malaysia, the historical city of Malacca was an
important trading post in Malaysia's early history and attracted
Asian, Chinese and Indian traders from the region. Founded by a refugee prince named Parameswara, Malacca rose to
become a powerful nerve centre of trade between East and West. Its trade of spice, gold, silk, tea, opium, tobacco and perfumes
attracted the attention of colonial powers from the West and
Malacca was later governed at various times by three colonial
rulers the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. Some parts of the city still retain an old-world charm in the
legacy of buildings and architecture left by Malacca's past
rulers. The city of Malacca is divided into the new and old sections. The
old part of the city is fairly compact and has many historical
attractions tucked into the nooks and crannies of its narrow
streets. Much of the remnants of Malacca's glorified past lie within the
Town Square and waterfront area near the river which are an easy
walk. Just above the Town Square is St.Paul's Hill which is the site of
the original Portuguese fort of A' Famosa and St. Paul's Church.
There is a sign-posted heritage trail which one can follow to
visit all the historical places in the older sections of town. |
