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St Paul’s Church

St Paul’s Church is a historical structure originally constructed to spread Catholicism in Southeast Asia. Originally built by a Portugese captain in 1521 in honour of Our Lady of the Grace, the chapel is located on the beautiful hilltop of Bukit St Paul.

 

The church was regularly visited by St Francis Xavier, and after his death in China, his body was temporarily buried there before it was moved to Goa, where it remains today.

As the Dutch took over Melaka from the Portugese, it was renamed to St Paul Hill. Once the Dutch had built their own church – Christ Church – the chapel was then turned into a burial ground and graveyard. When the British ruled Melaka, the church lost its tower, and a lighthouse was built. The church eventually became a warehouse for gunpowder.  

 

What remains of the church now is its ruins, for over 150 years. However, the setting continues to be a beautiful sight, with its old walls and tombstones, and not forgetting the spectacular view. 

Journeying to the church is also worthwhile, with some interesting museums along the way up the hill to St Paul’s Church. Along the way are the Architecture Museum, the Stamp Museum and the Islamic Museum, and also the historical monument – Porta de Santiago – the A’Famosa. Exploring St Paul’s Church will be a rewarding experience.