Bukit Melaka
Bukit Melaka is a historically significant hill in Melaka that offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s layered past, from the era of the Melaka Sultanate to the British Colonial period and into modern times. The hill, which rises steeply above the city, has long been a site of strategic importance due to its commanding views of the surrounding area, making it a key location throughout Melaka’s history.
During the Melaka Sultanate (15th to early 16th century), Bukit Melaka served as an important landmark and likely a site of royal significance, given its elevated position. Following the fall of the Sultanate to the Portuguese in 1511, the hill continued to hold military importance as the Portuguese fortified the area, and later, the Dutch and British would also utilize the hill in their fortification efforts.
In the British Colonial period, the hill was renamed St. Paul’s Hill after the construction of St. Paul’s Church in 1521, which still stands today in its ruins. The church, originally built by the Portuguese, was later expanded by the Dutch and became a prominent landmark during British rule. St. Paul’s Hill, with its historic church and burial grounds, became a symbol of Melaka’s colonial legacy and continued to play an important role in the city’s religious and cultural history.
Today, Bukit Melaka is a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and tourists, offering a scenic view of Melaka and a deeper understanding of its multicultural and colonial past. The hill remains an essential part of Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage City, reflecting the unique blend of cultures and influences that have shaped the region over centuries.
Contact
Address
Perbadanan Muzium Melaka, PERZIM
Kompleks Warisan Melaka, Jalan Kota,
75000 Melaka
Phone: +606 333 3333
