A' Famosa, Melaka

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Built by the Portuguese as a fortress in 1511 and partly demolished by the Dutch during 1810. Also known as Porta De Santiago.

The arch contains the inscription "VOC" of the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch took control during 1670 and used part of the fort.

Our visit was limited to 10 minutes which I thought was sufficient time. History Buffs most likely would appreciate more time.

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The history of the A' Famosa dates back to 1511 when Alfonso de Albuquerque and the Portuguese fleet under his command arrived at Malacca. He soon built a fortress to defend what he had taken from the locals. What we can now see is only one of alltogether four towers connected with a high wall. Each of the towers had a special purpose: one for the captain's residence, one foe the officers, one to store the ammunition and the last one a keep for the guards.
In the 17th century was the fortress handed over to the Dutch as they came into power in the region, and later it was also handed over to the British. They decided to destroy the fortress and they almost did, but Sir Stamford Raffles managed to save a little part of it.
A' Famosa is also known as Porta de Santiago.
Some of the canons which can be seen, the greenish ones, are original whereas the others are replicas.
"You can’t say you have been to Malacca if you haven't visited the A' Famosa."

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When the Portuguese arrived at the shores of Melaka, the first thing they did was build a fort overlooking the river, which they named A Famosa. The A Famosa is one of the oldest examples of European Architecture present in Southeast Asia.

Throughout the Portuguese rule, the fort was critical to their foothold of the island because the town was constantly under threats from other foreign powers, namely the British and Dutch. The fort was also instrumental in maintaining the Portuguese stronghold across the Far East. It consisted of housing and food stores, a castle, a meeting room for the Portuguese Council and five churches.

In the late 17th century, Malacca came under attack by the Dutch and was significantly damaged, leaving only the entrance façade and the structure of a church at the top of the hill. In the early 19th century, the fortress was taken over by the British who decided to destroy it. This destruction came about in the year 1806; all was demolished expect for a small part, what is found today, the last bit of the once active and important fortress.

Take a stroll up St. Paul’s Hill (the steps are not as intimidating as they look and there is plenty of room to stop and rest) and walk around what is left of the great fort. It is better if you head up after 3 pm when the sun is less hot and the sea breeze begins.

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Porta de Santiago, or Gate of St. James, is the sole remaining gateway into the former fortress, known as A Famosa, built by the Portuguese when they conquered Malacca in 1511. Immediately after Malacca fell, they used forced labour to build a temporary fort to counter Malay attacks, while they worked on the main fort, which they nicknamed "A Famosa", or officially, the Fortaleza de Malaca, or the Fortress of Malacca. By 1583, Malacca had become a fortified city protected by seventy canons aimed in all directions.

The fortress was so well built that it helped the Portuguese ward off all forms of attacks. In order to capture Malacca, the Dutch laid siege around the fortress for five months with the help of Johor, while Malaccas citizens, trapped inside, were reduced to eating cats, rats, plus there was a case of a women eating her dead infant. Finally, on 14th January 1641, the Dutch stormed into the fort. The Dutch repaired and renovated the fort and placed their coat of arms above the gates. This can still be seen today at Porta de Santiago, the remaining gate, with the inscription "Anno 1670".

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Santiago Bastion was part of Malacca's fortress remains built by the Portuguese after conquering the Malacca Malay Sultanate in 1511. The fortress was then consolidated by the Dutch in 1641 but was destroyed by the British under the leadership of William Farquhar in 1807. However, this part of the bastion of the fort was found in 2002 when excavations were down during the construction of the underground Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall. The site was formerly the shore but was bounded by the sea wall embankment constructed by the British in the early 19th century. It was then turned into a land fill in the 1930s.

A Famosa part of Melaka Heritage Walk is one of the oldest architecture in Melaka. It was built by Portuguese. It is a must visit place while you are in Melaka and located right in the center of the city. Near to Malacca Sultanate Palace and Dataran Pahalwan Mega Mall.

This prominet landmark synonymous with Melaka, was a fortress built bt the Portuguese admiral. Alfonso d' Albuquerque in 1511. It was badly damaged during the Dutch invasion in 1941. Timely intervention by Sir Stamford Raffles, a British offical, in 1808 saved what remains of the A'Famosa today.

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