Christ Church, Malacca(Melaka)

Christ Church in Malacca is a prominent symbol of Dutch colonial rule in Malaysia and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. It was built between 1741 and 1753 to commemorate a century of Dutch occupation after the Dutch captured Malacca from the Portuguese in 1641. The church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia.

 

Constructed using bricks shipped from the Netherlands, the church was originally painted white. It was later repainted red, along with other buildings in Dutch Square, in the 1900s during British rule, giving it its iconic appearance. The architecture of Christ Church reflects typical 18th-century Dutch colonial design, featuring a large wooden ceiling beam, handmade pews, and tombstones written in Portuguese. It is still an active place of worship for the local Christian community and a historic monument.

 

Things to Do at Christ Church

  1. Explore the Church Interior: Inside, you can admire the simple but elegant colonial architecture, including the original handmade pews, a brass Bible stand, and tombstones embedded in the floor, marking the graves of Dutch and Portuguese colonists.

  2. Visit Dutch Square: Christ Church is located within Dutch Square, a vibrant area that also features other colonial buildings like The Stadthuys, the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, and a nearby windmill.

  3. Attend a Service: As an active church, Christ Church holds Sunday services, which are a unique way to experience the local Christian community and the church’s historical significance.

  4. Photography: The bright red facade of Christ Church and its surroundings in Dutch Square make for great photo opportunities, especially with the contrast of the red buildings and the surrounding greenery.

  5. Nearby Souvenir Shopping: Around Dutch Square and Christ Church, there are numerous souvenir stalls selling handicrafts, traditional clothing, and unique Malaccan items to take home.

How to Get There

  • By Car: From Kuala Lumpur, it’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Malacca. Christ Church is located in Dutch Square, a central and well-known location in the city, so it’s easy to find with GPS or a ride-sharing app.
  • By Bus: Regular buses from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca Sentral take about 2 hours. From Malacca Sentral, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Dutch Square.
  • By Train: The nearest train station is Tampin, located about an hour away. From there, buses or taxis will take you to Malacca’s city center.

Activities and Tourist Attractions

  1. Dutch Square: In addition to Christ Church, Dutch Square houses other historic buildings like The Stadthuys and the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, all built during the Dutch colonial era.

  2. St. Paul’s Hill & Church: A short walk from Christ Church is St. Paul’s Hill, where you can climb to visit the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and get panoramic views of Malacca.

  3. A Famosa Fort: The remains of the Portuguese fortress A Famosa are nearby, particularly the Porta de Santiago gate, which is one of the most photographed historical sites in the city.

  4. Jonker Street: A famous street located just a few minutes away, Jonker Street is known for its vibrant night market, offering food, shopping, and entertainment. It’s a great place to explore after visiting Christ Church.

  5. Malacca River Cruise: You can take a relaxing cruise along the Malacca River, located close to Christ Church, to see the city’s heritage and historical sites from a different perspective.

Places to Eat Nearby

  1. Jonker Street: A food haven offering local delicacies such as chicken rice balls, laksa, cendol, and satay. There are also cafes and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

  2. The Daily Fix Cafe: Tucked inside a heritage building off Jonker Street, this cafe is popular for its coffee, pancakes, and other Western-style dishes.

  3. Famosa Chicken Rice Ball: This is a must-visit to try Malacca’s signature chicken rice balls, which is a unique local version of the classic Hainanese chicken rice.

  4. Calanthe Art Cafe: Known for its range of coffees from all Malaysian states, this cafe also serves local dishes and is located near Christ Church.

  5. Geographer Cafe: Located on Jonker Street, this cafe offers a mix of local and Western dishes and is a great spot to relax while enjoying the heritage atmosphere.

Opening Times and Entrance Fee

  • Opening Times: Christ Church is open to visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It also holds Sunday services, which are usually in the morning.

  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit Christ Church, but donations are welcome. You can also buy souvenirs and postcards from the small shop inside to support the church.

Christ Church and the surrounding Dutch Square area offer a deep dive into Malacca’s rich colonial history and architecture, with plenty of nearby attractions and local food to experience.