The Ruins of St. Paul’s Church in Melaka (Malaysia) are an important representation of the city and country’s rich colonial history because of the European overseas expansion.
In 1521, captain of the Portuguese nobility named Duarte Coelho chose this site, which was that of the last sultan’s palace, for his chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary for saving his life at sea. It was completed in 1521 but in 1548, it was deeded to the Jesuits with one of the co-founders, St. Francis Xavier, receiving the deeds.
The Portuguese made it a fortress by adding gun turrets and a belfry tower to the front the second half of the 16th century.
The Dutch destroyed the belfry tower when they invaded in 1641, but the building was repaired and named St. Paul’s Church. It became Protestant and it was the main church of the Dutch community until Christ Church was completed in 1753.
After this, St. Paul’s Church wasn’t used for worship. It was modified to better serve as a fortification. After the British occupied Melaka in 1824, they built a watch tower (which also served as a lighthouse) and stored gunpowder in the church.
Although it’s been in ruins for over 150 years, it’s still exciting to know that you’re walking in the footsteps of so many people dating back 500 years, including Xavier.
St. Francis visited regularly. His missionary work included the translation of the catechism into Malay. His body was interred in the church for 9 months in 1553 until it was transferred to (Portuguese) Goa, his final resting place.
You can see his temporary tomb in the photo below. Notice the comfy cat on top. ↓
This is at the end of the church; when you enter just past the statue and the watch tower, go all the way to the end.
I read that tombstones belong to Dutch nobility. They were buried in the Dutch burial vault that was created in 1592. The stones include those of Pedro Martins, who was a bishop in Japan, and five members of the Velge family who died within three weeks of each other during 1756 diphtheria epidemic.
Don’t forget to enjoy the view, any buskers, and the souvenir stands. There was one behind St. Francis’ temporary resting place and others outside.
The Ruins of St. Paul’s Church are one part of Melaka’s incredible historic district that gave me the I’m really in Malaysia sensation. For me, it was the same as how being in Red Square gave me the I’m really in Moscow/Russia feeling.
Would you be interested in visiting a place like the Ruins of St. Paul’s Church in Melaka?
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