St. Paul's Church, Malacca
Melaka
St. Paul's Church, located atop St. Paul's Hill in Malacca City, Malaysia, is a historic church built between 1566 and 1590, making it the oldest European structure east of India. Originally constructed by Jesuits as Nossa Senhora da Annunciada, it served as a significant Catholic chapel with three altars dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the Eleven Thousand Virgins, and the Good Infant Jesus. The church is closely associated with St. Francis Xavier, who established a school there in 1548 and used the chapel as a base for his missionary work in Asia. After the Dutch conquest of Malacca in 1641, the church was renamed St. Paul's Church and converted for Dutch Reformed worship until the mid-18th century. Subsequently, it was deconsecrated and repurposed as a powder magazine under British rule. Despite partial abandonment, the church remains an important historical monument, hosting an annual feast day mass honoring St. Francis Xavier each December. The site includes an open grave believed to be Xavier's temporary burial place, although no historical proof confirms this. Nearby, a neoclassical lighthouse built in 1814 by William Farquhar stands as an additional colonial-era landmark. The church's walls and tombstones have been preserved through 20th-century excavations and restorations, reflecting its rich colonial and religious heritage.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during the annual feast day mass on the first Saturday of December to experience local religious tradition. Exploring the site in the morning or late afternoon avoids midday heat. Tickets may be required for entry, so purchasing in advance or checking local tourist information is recommended. Modest discounts might be available for students or seniors. Comfortable footwear is advised due to the hilltop location.
Interesting facts
- •St. Paul's Church is the oldest European building east of India.
- •The church was originally named Nossa Senhora da Annunciada and had three altars dedicated to different saints.
- •St. Francis Xavier used the church as a base for his missionary journeys to China and Japan.
- •An open grave in the church is believed to be the temporary burial site of St. Francis Xavier, though unproven.
- •The church was converted to Dutch Reformed use after the Dutch conquest in 1641 and renamed St. Paul's Church.
- •In 1814, a neoclassical lighthouse was built nearby by William Farquhar.
- •The church was used as a powder magazine during British occupation of Malacca.
History
The original chapel on the site was built in 1521 by Portuguese commander Duarte Coelho as a gesture of thanks after surviving a storm.
It was deeded to the Jesuits in 1548 and rebuilt as a church between 1566 and 1590.
St.
Francis Xavier established a school here and used it as a base for missions to China and Japan.
After the Dutch took Malacca in 1641, the church was renamed and used for Protestant worship until 1753, when it was deconsecrated and later used as a powder magazine under British administration.
Excavations and preservation efforts began in the early 20th century, maintaining the church as a historic monument.
Place Guide
The Church Ruins1566-1590
The main structure of St. Paul's Church, showcasing its 16th-century Portuguese colonial architecture with remnants of altars and tombstones along the walls.
St. Francis Xavier's Burial Vault1553
An open grave within the church reputed to be the temporary burial site of St. Francis Xavier before his remains were moved to Goa.
William Farquhar's Lighthouse1814
A 13-meter high neoclassical lighthouse built in 1814 in front of the church, notable for its square tower design uncommon in the region.
