Details of Melaka Tourist Places
Historical & Heritage Sites 1. A'Famosa Fort (Porta de Santiago) What it is: A'Famosa is one of the oldest surviving pieces of European architectural remains in Asia . It is the tiny gatehouse ( Porta de Santiago ) of a once-mighty Portuguese fortress. Built in 1511 by the Portuguese conqueror Afonso de Albuquerque, the fortress was meant to solidify Portugal's hold on the lucrative spice trade . The fortress changed hands when the Dutch took over Malacca in 1641 and they later renovated the gate in 1670 (hence the "ANNO 1670" inscription above its arch) . In the early 19th century, the British took control and ordered the fortress's destruction, but the timely intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles (the founder of Singapore) saved this small gate from being demolished . Why it is worth visiting: It is a powerful and tangible link to Melaka's turbulent colonial past. Standing before this gate, you are literally standing at the intersect...